A genius, though strange and audacious, physiologist well-known in the European scientific world. Solely to prove that qualities such as virtue, courage, and intelligence are dependent on oxygen, he uses his wealth to establish a lighting factory in the town of Quiquendone and pumps pure oxygen into the town's atmosphere. He feels not the slightest pang of remorse while turning people—and even animals and plants—into objects of a massive experiment (in anima vili). He disappears after the factory explodes.
His nationality, precise age, and past experiences are unknown; he is an eccentric who seems to have stepped right out of a Hoffmann tale. It is said only that he holds revolutionary ideas about physiology, competes with modern scientists, and is wealthy enough—or backed by someone wealthy enough—not to stop at any expense for this experiment.
A stout, medium-height man; it is difficult to estimate his age. With his smiling face, upright head, wide nostrils, and large mouth that breathes in the air deeply, he has a structure that looks as restless as if he had mercury in his veins and needles under his feet.
Van Tricasse
The greatest toy of his own experiment; he approaches him with feigned politeness and condescension.
Gédéon Ygène
His faithful assistant who, in time, develops a conscience.