Frankenstein's Legacy

Introduction: Why a Gothic Novel Still Matters in Modern Science

More than two centuries after its publication, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus continues to captivate readers and scholars alike—not merely as a Gothic horror story but as a prescient commentary on scientific ethics that remains startlingly relevant today. The tale of Victor Frankenstein and his creature has evolved into a cultural touchstone that influences how we approach emerging technologies from artificial intelligence to genetic engineering. This article explores how Shelley's classic novel provides a compelling framework for examining complex contemporary issues in biomedical sciences, offering insights into scientific responsibility, ethical boundaries, and the very nature of humanity itself ^{1 2} .

The continued resonance of Frankenstein stems from its profound exploration of themes that transcend its historical context: the dual nature of scientific progress, the ethical responsibilities of creators, and the social consequences of alienation. As biomedical science advances at an unprecedented pace, Shelley's narrative offers a timeless cautionary tale that encourages us to reflect on the moral dimensions of our technological capabilities ⁹ .

The Scientific Landscape That Inspired Shelley's Vision

Mary Shelley's masterpiece emerged from a unique convergence of scientific inquiry and literary imagination. The early 19th century was a period of remarkable scientific ferment, with researchers exploring the boundaries between life and death through experimental methods. Shelley was deeply influenced by conversations with leading intellectuals of her time, including her husband Percy Shelley, Lord Byron, and physician John Polidori ⁵ .

Central to the novel's scientific context was the emerging field of galvanism—the study of electricity's effects on biological tissue. Luigi Galvani's experiments with frog legs that twitched when touched with electrical currents suggested that electricity might be the very essence of life. His nephew, Giovanni Aldini, took these experiments further by publicly demonstrating how electrical stimulation could induce macabre movements in executed criminals' bodies ⁵ . These demonstrations blurred the boundaries between life and death, inspiring Shelley's description of Victor Frankenstein's reanimation method ⁵ .

Shelley was also influenced by debates between vitalists and materialists concerning the nature of life itself. Vitalists like William Abernethy argued that life required a special "spark" or vital force beyond mere physical processes, while materialists like William Lawrence maintained that life emerged entirely from biological structures and functions. This philosophical conflict finds expression in Victor Frankenstein's attempt to infuse "a spark of being" into his assembled creature ⁵ .

Scientific Influences on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Bioethical Frameworks: Anticipating Modern Dilemmas

Shelley's novel provides a rich narrative framework for examining ethical questions that have only become more pressing with advances in biomedical science. Victor Frankenstein's story raises profound issues about scientific responsibility, the limits of human experimentation, and the moral obligations creators have toward their creations ^{1 3} .

The novel compellingly explores the consequences of unchecked ambition in scientific pursuit. Victor becomes so engrossed in whether he can achieve reanimation that he never pauses to consider whether he should. This failure to anticipate the potential consequences of his work mirrors contemporary concerns about technologies like gene editing and artificial intelligence, where technical capability may outpace ethical consideration ^{4 9} .

Another crucial ethical dimension concerns the treatment of the created being. Frankenstein's creature begins as an innocent, sensitive being who turns to violence only after experiencing relentless rejection and alienation from his creator and society. This narrative arc invites reflection on how technological creations—whether genetically modified organisms or artificial intelligences—might be influenced by their treatment and social context ¹ .

The Galvanism Experiments: Science Fact Behind the Fiction

One of the most fascinating aspects of Frankenstein is how it built upon actual scientific experiments of its time. The work of Giovanni Aldini, who conducted public demonstrations of galvanism on executed criminals, provides a particularly striking example of the science fact behind Shelley's science fiction ⁵ .

In 1803, Aldini performed a famous experiment on the body of George Foster, a criminal executed at Newgate Prison in London. Aldini inserted metal rods into the corpse and applied electrical currents. Contemporary accounts describe how "the jaws of the deceased criminal began to quiver, and the adjoining muscles were horribly contorted, and one eye was actually opened. In the subsequent part of the process the right hand was raised and clenched, and the legs and thighs were set in motion" ⁵ .

Aldini's Famous Experiment on George Foster's Body (1803)

Methodology of Aldini's Experiment

Results and Analysis

While Aldini's experiments never actually restored life to the dead, they demonstrated that electricity could induce muscular contractions that mimicked voluntary movement. This provided compelling evidence for the role of electrical forces in biological processes—a fundamental insight that would eventually lead to our modern understanding of neurophysiology ⁵ .

The scientific importance of these experiments lies in their contribution to the emerging field of bioelectricity. They helped establish that electrical forces play a crucial role in physiological processes, paving the way for later developments including defibrillation, cardiac pacing, and neuromuscular therapies ⁵ .

Modern Technologies: Frankenstein's Legacy in Contemporary Science

The themes explored in Frankenstein find striking parallels in numerous contemporary biomedical technologies. Shelley's narrative provides a valuable lens through which to examine the ethical dimensions of these advances ^{1 2} .

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

The creation of sentient artificial beings represents a modern analogue to Victor Frankenstein's creature. Like the creature, advanced AI systems raise questions about creator responsibility and the moral status of artificial entities. The field of AI ethics has emerged to address these very questions, exploring how to ensure that artificial intelligences are aligned with human values and interests ^{1 2} .

Genetic Engineering and CRISPR

The ability to edit the fundamental code of life using technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 represents another area where Shelley's themes resonate powerfully. The prospect of "playing God" with the human genome raises complex ethical questions about human enhancement, evolutionary consequences, and social inequality in access to genetic technologies ^{1 4} .

Reproductive Technologies and Cloning

Advances in reproductive science, including in vitro fertilization, surrogacy, and cloning, echo Shelley's exploration of unconventional creation of life. The 1978 birth of Louise Brown, the first "test-tube baby," prompted newspaper headlines explicitly referencing the "Frankenstein myth," demonstrating how deeply Shelley's narrative shapes public discourse around reproductive technologies ⁵ .

Transplantation Medicine

The reuse of biological materials through organ transplantation and tissue engineering literalizes Victor Frankenstein's assembly of body parts from multiple sources. While saving countless lives, these technologies raise ethical questions about bodily integrity, consent, and the commodification of human tissues .

Frankenstein in the Classroom: Educating Future Scientists

The enduring relevance of Frankenstein has led to its incorporation into health sciences education as a tool for promoting ethical reflection. Studies have identified three primary approaches to using the novel in teaching: examining the relationship between literature and science, analyzing ethical issues in biomedical research, and exploring the importance of empathy and compassion in healthcare ¹ .

In Brazil, researchers implemented a course for first-year biomedical students centered on reading and discussing Frankenstein. Student reflections focused on two key areas: aspects of science education beyond technical knowledge (particularly moral and ethical responsibility in research) and the influence of scientists' actions on society. This approach demonstrates how literature can stimulate deeper thinking about the social dimensions of scientific work ¹ .

Another study with Israeli high-school students found that Frankenstein was frequently associated with the stereotypical "mad scientist." However, some students expressed more nuanced views, recognizing that Victor's intentions were initially good even though his actions had disastrous consequences. This ambivalence mirrors the complex ethical judgments required in actual scientific practice ¹ .

The novel's potential usefulness in education derives from the interconnectedness of science, ethics, and compassion it illustrates. By engaging with Shelley's narrative, students can reflect on the personal and social limits of science, the relationship between curiosity and responsibility, and the broader implications of scientific work ^{1 3} .

Conclusion: Lessons for Responsible Scientific Innovation

As we continue to push the boundaries of biomedical science, Frankenstein remains a powerful touchstone for ethical reflection. Shelley's novel does not oppose scientific progress but rather encourages thoughtful consideration of its human dimensions. The story reminds us that scientific innovation exists within a social context and that technological advances must be guided by ethical principles and compassion ^{2 9} .

The most enduring lesson of Frankenstein may be that our creations are neither inherently good nor evil—their moral character depends on how they are developed and used. As noted in Stanford Medicine's analysis, "our innovations are only as virtuous or as evil as we make them" ² . This insight places responsibility squarely on scientists, policymakers, and society to ensure that biomedical advances serve humane ends.

Two centuries after its publication, Mary Shelley's novel continues to challenge us to reflect on fundamental questions: What does it mean to be human? What responsibilities do creators have toward their creations? How can we harness the power of science while respecting ethical boundaries? In grappling with these questions, Frankenstein remains not just a classic of Gothic literature but an indispensable guide to the ethical dimensions of scientific innovation ^{1 2 9} .