Conrad Dippel and Frankenstein

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Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley wrote the story Frankenstein or, The Modern Prometheus in 1818. Born at Castle Frankenstein in 1673 near Darmstadt in Germany Johann Conrad Dippel studied philosophy, theology and alchemy at the University of Giessen. He graduated in 1693 with a degree in theology. He often got himself into trouble due to his disputed opinions and money matters. He served seven years in prison for heresy. It is said that he practiced alchemy and anatomy. He created a supposed "elixir of life" which was an animal oil. He also was working on a way by which the soul of one person could be transferred into the body of another. In 1814 Mary Shelley was traveling in the area and had a brief interaction, as is noted in her journals, with Dippel while touring the country side around the castle. She was also a member of a literary circle, "Kreis der Empfindsame" that met in the area of Darmstadt from 1769 to 1773. This is actually a fascinating story that can be read through this link: