Nature and Civilisation in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Exploring the intersection of civilization and nature, this paper examines how human instincts, particularly aggression, persist despite societal advancements. It highlights the Edinburgh scandal of 1828-1829, where anatomist Dr. Robert Knox employed criminals to procure corpses, not through grave robbing of the deceased, but by murder for dissection. This chilling case illustrates the dark side of scientific progress, revealing how the quest for knowledge can lead to the exploitation of human life, challenging the moral implications of scientific inquiry.