The Professor’s House · Chapter
Chapter XIII explained
Professor St.
What happens
Professor St. Peter visits Dr. Crane in his laboratory to discuss Mrs. Crane's earlier visit and Crane's potential claim on Tom Outland's patent profits. Crane admits he never had a formal agreement with Outland but feels entitled to compensation for his help. St. Peter advises him to seek a competent lawyer, warning against Homer Bright. After the tense conversation, St. Peter walks through the park, feeling depressed and disillusioned by Crane's sudden interest in money.
Themes in this chapter
Materialism and Commercialism
Dr. Crane's sudden interest in the financial rewards of Outland's patent highlights the corrupting influence of money.
Idealized Friendship and Hero Worship
St. Peter's disappointment in Crane reflects his idealization of the past and the purity of scholarly collaboration.
Characters to notice
- Professor St. Peter
Visits Dr. Crane to discuss the patent dispute, feeling depressed and disillusioned afterward.
- Dr. Crane
Defends his claim to Outland's patent profits, admitting his interest is now financial.
- Tom Outland
Mentioned as the originator of the gas idea and the brilliant pupil who benefited from Crane's help.
- Louie Marsellus
Referenced as the one who profits from the patent and who might be approached for compensation.
- Homer Bright
Mentioned as the lawyer Crane's brother-in-law advises, whom St. Peter considers incompetent.
Key passages
“My fortunes have corrupted honest men.”
The success of Outland's invention has turned even honest people like Crane into money-seekers.
St. Peter reflects on how the patent's financial success has changed Crane's integrity.