Heart and Science

Interesting Facts

• The book «Heart and Science» was written during a period when Wilkie Collins was actively advocating for animal rights, which is reflected in the plot that raises questions about ethics in scientific research.
• The novel's main heroine, Carola, faces a moral dilemma when she learns about cruel experiments on animals, reflecting Collins' personal beliefs against vivisection.
• The novel was written in response to growing debates about vivisection in Victorian England and became part of the public movement against animal cruelty.
• Collins used the novel to express his views on the importance of empathy and compassion, contrasting them with the cold rationality of science.
• «Heart and Science» is considered one of the first works to openly discuss the topic of vivisection and the ethical boundaries of science in fiction.