Question

According to the vulgar idea, the fire in his laboratory had been brought from the lower regions, and was fed with infernal fuel; and so, as might be expected, his visage was getting sooty with the smoke. What was the source of the fire in his laboratory according to the vulgar idea?

1) Brought from the lower regions
2) Fed with infernal fuel
3) Brought from the upper regions
4) Fed with celestial fuel

Answer 1

The vulgar idea suggested that the fire in the scientist's laboratory was brought from the lower regions and fed with infernal fuel, reflecting a mystical or fearful perception of the scientist's work.

Step-by-step explanation:

The source of the fire in his laboratory according to the vulgar idea was that it had been brought from the lower regions, and was fed with infernal fuel. This description conveys a sense of otherworldliness and perhaps even a connection to the supernatural, suggesting that the people held a somewhat fearful and mystical view of the scientist's work. The choice of words like 'vulgar idea' and 'infernal fuel' underscore the general public's perception of the laboratory as a place of dark and ominous undertakings.