“…and afterwards of Paracelsus and Albertus Magnus” (p.21). Paracelsus was a famous alchemist who lived during the middle ages. He made many great discoveries for science, and especially for medicine. He is said to have introduced mercury and opium to the medicine world. Albertus Magnus was a bishop who introduced the idea of science and religion acting together. He is considered one of the greatest German philosophers of the Middle Ages. Frankenstein begins to read works of these two authors after finishing the volume of Agrippa. Shelley references many famous scientists. She wants Frankenstein to be studious and recognized as a very bright scholar.
“Paracelsus.” Alchemy Lab. 30 Aug. 2009. http://www.alchemylab.com/paracelsus.htm
“Albertus Magnus.” Wikipedia. 30 Aug. 2009. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albertus_Magnus
is it merely that they are famous scientists or is there something to the particular focus of their studies that is signficant to the work?
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