Which professor at Ingolstadt dismisses Victor's alchemical studies?

M. Krempe is the Ingolstadt professor who dismisses Victor Frankenstein’s alchemical studies.

When Victor arrives at the University of Ingolstadt, he has been fascinated by older writers such as Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus, and Albertus Magnus. Professor M. Krempe reacts with contempt, calling these earlier authorities obsolete and advising Victor to abandon their ideas. His criticism initially humiliates Victor rather than changing his direction.

Victor soon meets Professor M. Waldman, who takes a more constructive approach. Waldman explains that modern natural philosophy has advanced far beyond medieval alchemy, but he also describes the achievements of contemporary science in a way that inspires Victor. This conversation redirects Victor toward chemistry, electricity, and the study of life.

A common error is to confuse Krempe with Waldman because both are professors at Ingolstadt. Krempe dismisses Victor’s old alchemical reading; Waldman becomes the encouraging influence who helps propel Victor toward the experiment that creates the creature. The name is spelled Krempe in Shelley’s novel, not Kempe.