Waldman
Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Ingolstadt, with a
specialty in chemistry, and
instructor of Victor Frankenstein.
Unlike Krempe, whom Frankenstein finds
intellectually and physically repulsive, Waldman proves a kind and
understanding teacher. Frankenstein describes him:
This professor was very unlike his colleague. He appeared about fifty
years of age, but with an aspect expressive of the greatest
benevolence; a few grey hairs covered his temples, but those at
the back of his head were nearly black. His person was short,
but remarkably erect; and his voice the sweetest I had ever
heard. (1.2.6)
His lecture on the history of chemistry shows more sympathy for the alchemists who had excited
Frankenstein's imagination, and from that time on, Frankenstein looks to
him as a mentor and a "true friend" (1.3.1). It is Waldman who interests
Frankenstein in modern chemistry
(1.2.7).
