In "Frankenstein and Radical Science," author Marilyn Butler talks about the relationship between Frankenstein and other generally scientific texts, primarily Lectures of Physiology, Zoology, and the Natural History of Man by William Lawrence. She also focuses on the public debate between Lawrence and Abernethy. There is not clear thesis tying everything together and her examples are extremely specific so it is impossible to summarize her message. Instead, I will detail a few of her specific examples.
- Butler mentions that Lawrence's opponent, Abernethy, viewed life as something similar to electricity. This agrees with the viewpoint of Frankenstein because electricity can be observed and Frankenstein is able to discover the secret of life through observation. Therefore, life is not an abstract notion, rather a tangible concept.
- Additionally, Butler talks about the Creature's first moments on the earth and how this relates to both literary examples and real-life instances and studies of the learning process in humans.
- Butler also speaks of sexual selection, comparing that in aristocratic society with the Frankensteins' relationships throughout the novel. She also notes the relationship between Frankenstein and the Creature and his practically non-existent parenting tactics with the Creature.
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