At school, Victor became fascinated with natural philosophy and chemistry. For two years he became immersed in his studies. He became very interested in human anatomy and the causes of life and death. He also studied the progress of decay and spent many nights in cemeteries: "I saw how the fine form of man was degraded and wasted; I beheld the corruption of death succeed to the blooming cheek of life; I saw how the worm inherited the wonders of the eye and brain." After this discovery, Victor has an epiphany: "...I succeeded in discovering the cause of generation and life; nay, more, I became myself capable of bestowing animation upon lifeless matter." He had learned to give life. At the time of Victor's discovery, he did not have the resources to carry on with his plan: "...having spent some months in successfully collecting and arranging my materials, I began." He worked day and night, sometimes visiting local graves to take any bones or body parts that he needed to complete his project.

*The quotes used here are from the Prestwick House Literary Touchstone Press version of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" pages 41-44)