19세기 영국소설에 나타난 화학의 발전양상에 대한 연구

Abstract

The novels dealt with in this paper are more attuned to chemistry than other branches of sciences. Frankenstein in Frankenstein seems to develop his dream based upon the knowledge of both old alchemists and modern chemists. As revealed in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and The Picture of Dorian Gray, it might be taken for granted that chemical reaction would influence the psychological mind as well as the physiological body. Dr. Jekyll’s attempt to divide good and evil in human mind shows well that many of the 19th-century scientists had too much credit with the chemistry. Sherlock Holmes also invents a chemical test of blood to solve the criminal case with, and Frankenstein and Dr. Moreau put much emphasis on the physiological chemistry to execute the body experiment and transformation. Therefore, it could be believed that using and applying chemicals would solve physiological and psychological problems in many parts of life of the century. Likewise, the novels depict the diverse aspects of chemical development. In that context, examining and analyzing all the chemical facts revealed in the novels could be taking a big step and attempt to investigate the history of chemistry through the analysis of the novels.