regulate my mind
This diction may appear strange to modern ears, implying a notion of
education as constriction. Probably, however, it would not have touched a
contemporary in such a way. In Mary Shelley's day such regulation would
have been construed as an adherence to a disciplined, systematic method of
education. Still, regulation must be a means to a perceived end. In this
respect, we may take the contrasting image of Victor Frankenstein --
"Natural philosophy is the genius that has regulated my fate (1.1.6) -- as quietly but insistently
ironic.
