# XIX: Certain First Principles explained — The Invisible Man

> Chapter companion for The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells.

## What happens

Kemp confronts Griffin about the smashed glass and the revelation of his secret. Griffin explains the scientific principles behind invisibility, including the manipulation of refractive index and the discovery of a method to make living tissue transparent. He recounts his years of research, his frustration with academic constraints, and his eventual theft from his father to fund his work.

## Themes in this chapter

### Science and Ethics

Griffin's pursuit of invisibility is driven by ambition and a desire for power, leading him to rob his father and disregard moral boundaries.

### Power and Corruption

Griffin envisions invisibility as a means to 'mystery, power, and freedom,' revealing his corrupting lust for control.

### Isolation and Alienation

Griffin describes his years of solitary work and the loneliness of his great moments, emphasizing his separation from society.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Kemp

Kemp engages Griffin in conversation, seeking to understand the science of invisibility while nervously aware of the situation.

### Griffin

Griffin explains the principles of invisibility, recounts his research at Chesilstowe, and admits to robbing his father.

## Key lines

> I found a general principle of pigments and refraction—a formula, a geometrical expression involving four dimensions.

Griffin discovered a mathematical principle that could alter how substances interact with light.

_Griffin explains the theoretical breakthrough that led to his invisibility research._

> I robbed the old man—robbed my father. The money was not his, and he shot himself.

Griffin stole money from his father, which led to his father's suicide.

_Griffin confesses the desperate and tragic act that funded his experiments._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_invisible_man_se/chapters/xix-certain-first-principles
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_invisible_man_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_invisible_man_se/chapters