Heart and Science: A Story of the Present Time

by Wilkie Collins

"Heart and Science: A Story of the Present Time" by Wilkie Collins is a novel written in the late 19th century during the Victorian era. The narrative centers on Ovid Vere, a talented young surgeon grappling with the pressures of his profession and the unexpected turns of his personal life. As he navigates through urban London, the story hints at themes of social influence, scientific inquiry, and the emotional entanglements that accompany relationships, particularly with women. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Ovid Vere, who is forced to take a respite from his demanding medical career. While he intends to prepare for a Mediterranean voyage, a series of seemingly trivial events divert him from his initial plans. These events culminate in a fateful encounter with a mysterious girl named Carmina, who is bound to become central to his life. As Ovid interacts with various characters, including his eccentric colleague Sir Richard, his mother Mrs. Gallilee, and the poignantly described Carmina and her duenna Teresa, the opening chapters set the stage for a complex exploration of familial relations, social expectations, and the budding romance that develops in a backdrop rich with both humor and serious reflection on contemporary issues such as vivisection and scientific ethics.