Summary

Aylmer and Georgiana go to Aylmer’s laboratory. In the past, Aylmer studied and gained some understanding of many different natural processes. However, when he studied the creation of the human body, he was unable to reach any deep understanding. In medical, physiological, and biological pursuits, he had been unable to fix the supposed imperfections of things found in nature. However, Aylmer now resumes these studies as part of his mission to remove the birthmark. After Aylmer and Georgiana arrive at the lab, Aylmer has an especially intense moment of revulsion regarding the birthmark and Georgiana faints. Aylmer summons his lab assistant, Aminadab, who is good at following detailed orders but who is not himself a scientist. According to the narration, Aminadab is far less refined than Aylmer and seems to represent humanity’s natural state in contrast to Aylmer’s more knowledgeable, civilized...