Final answer:
Galvanism is the contraction of a muscle when stimulated by an electric current, discovered by Luigi Galvani. This finding influenced Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein,' where the monster is reanimated by a similar process. Alessandro Volta, inspired by Galvani, further developed the Voltaic cell, advancing the field of electrochemistry.
Step-by-step explanation:
Galvanism and its Inspiration for Frankenstein's Monster
Galvanism refers to the contraction of a muscle that is stimulated by an electric current. This concept is named after the Italian scientist Luigi Galvani, who in the late 18th century discovered that the muscles of dead frogs twitched when struck by an electrical current. Galvani believed this was due to what he called 'animal electricity', which he thought was a vital force present in the tissues of animals.
The idea that life could be reanimated through electrical means likely inspired Mary Shelley in the creation of her character Frankenstein's monster. In her novel, Shelley refers to the reanimation of Frankenstein's monster, which is achieved by the protagonist Victor Frankenstein using a scientific process that includes the use of electricity, resembling the experiments of Galvani. The concept that electricity could mimic the vital sparks of life fueled imagination and fiction, leading to the iconic story of Frankenstein's creature.
Furthermore, the work of Alessandro Volta, who was inspired by Galvani's work, led to the development of the Voltaic cell, or battery, which is a cornerstone in the field of electrochemistry.