Chimeras In Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

“...I often asked myself, did the principle of life proceed ? It was a bold question, and one which have ever been considered as a mystery yet …it did not restrain our inquiries” (Shelley). Chimeras are “animals composed of cells that originate from two or more different species”. In order to create a chimera, scientists “introduce cells from one species into the developing embryo or fetus of another” (Carter). In other words, scientists take the DNA from one species and inject into a developing egg of a different species. Frankenstein is a book by Mary Shelley that tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, and the creation of his monster. Victor is able to push the bounds of science and ethical laws in order to create the creature, which is

According to The Gospel Coalition the “intermixing of genetic material becomes more morally problematic” because few believe that it “violates the species barrier instituted by our Creator”. While others consider the uses of chimeras “morally legitimate” (Carter). However, chimeras are being created so that they “can be used to transplant organs into people who are in need of them.” Chimeras are also used as a model to study how human diseases happen and how they progress. Chimeras are being used to create “life saving organs and potential treatments for debilitating disease” (Imam). Furthermore, the creation of chimeras also connects to the ethical controversy in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Throughout Frankenstein, Victor continues to wonder if the creation of his monster was ethical. Similar to the scientists, Victor proceeds to create something that pushes the bounds of science and he works hard towards that goal for many months such as the scientists did. “Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change” (Shelley). Victor explains his anguish towards the creature much like some of the public has with the research being conducted with