Blog #4 Scientific Method and Understanding

Chapter 6, Dr. Seward’s Diary

“What would have been his later steps?

“It would almost be worth while to complete the experiment. It might be done if there were only a sufficient cause. Men sneered at vivisection, and yet look at its results today! Why not advance science in its most difficult and vital aspect, the knowledge of the brain?

“Had I even the secret of one such mind, did I hold the key to the fancy of even one lunatic, I might advance my own branch of science to a pitch compared with which Burdon-Sanderson’s physiology or Ferrier’s brain knowledge would be as nothing. If only there were a sufficient cause! I must not think too much of this, or I may be tempted. A good cause might turn the scale with me, for may not I too be of an exceptional brain, congenitally?

“How well the man reasoned. Lunatics always do within their own scope. I wonder at how many lives he values a man, or if at only one. He has closed the account most accurately, and today begun a new record. How many of us begin a new record with each day of our lives?” (71)

The topic is about the Scientific Method and the understanding that comes with exercising it. A fundamental part of the scientific method is to hypothesize about your question. Dr. Seward asks many questions about the situation with Reinfield and what to do. Dr. Seward asks himself “What would have been his later steps?” and “ It would have been worthwhile to complete the experiment” (71). Now, this is a blatant example of relating to the topic, but this thinking is done by all the characters in some form or another, implicitly or explicitly. It is a highly relevant topic to the situations the characters face. It also gives the reader space to relate as well because the scientific method is used daily. All to gain understanding of the unknown because without knowledge, there is no understanding and a good decision can’t be made.

This passage also alludes to the lengths and measures one will take to understand something. Dr. Seward thinks things like “Why not advance science in its most difficult and vital aspect, the knowledge of the brain?” (71). He wonders what a “vivisection”, operating on a live patient for the purpose of experimentation or scientific research, will uncover the mysteries of mental illness. Dr. Seward even admits to “How well the man reasoned. Lunatics always do within their own scope” (71). What’s interesting is that the doctor knows that these people with mental illnesses do make decisions that have reason and a logical path. The only thing separating them from society is the specific “what” they do hence “within their own scope”.

The topic of the scientific method and understanding pairs comically well with what is being asked to discuss about the close reading. The topic will be played out throughout the rest of the book more implicitly than explicitly as the characters experience situations where they lack knowledge.