I saw -- with shut eyes, but acute mental vision -- I saw the pale student of unhallowed arts kneeling beside the thing he had put together. I saw the hideous phantasm of a man stretched out, and then, on the working of some powerful engine, show signs of life, and stir with an uneasy, half-vital motion.

Precious attribute of woe-worn humanity! that can snatch ecstatic emotion, even from under the very share and harrow, that ruthlessly ploughs up and lays waste every hope.

When falsehood can look so like the truth, who can assure themselves of certain happiness?

None but those who have experienced them can conceive of the enticements of science.

What is there so fearful as the expectation of evil tidings delayed? ... Misery is a more welcome visitant when she comes in her darkest guise and wraps us in perpetual black, for then the heart no longer sickens with disappointed hope.

Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust?

Teach him to think for himself? Oh, my God, teach him rather to think like other people!