Summary

The narrator provides us with a detailed examination of Lydgate’s background (whose first name is, rather unfortunately, Tertius). We learn that he is twenty-seven and comes from a well-connected family, but was orphaned at a young age. He expressed an early interest in medicine, and although this is somewhat beneath his station, his relatives decided to let him pursue his passion rather than trying to give him a more conventional gentlemanly education.

Lydgate was educated in Paris, where he fell in love with an actress. He proposed marriage to her, but was shocked and repulsed when she confessed that she murdered her first husband when she grew bored of him. Now he considers himself experienced and practical in all matters of love, and doesn’t plan on getting married anytime soon.

Lydgate is an interesting character, convinced that he will make a great medical discovery but also motivated by his desire to serve his community. He is more open to reform in the medical profession, which sets him at odds with the other more well-established doctors in Middlemarch.

We see Lydgate attend dinner at the Vincys’ house, where there are debates about who should be appointed chaplain in Mr. Bulstrode’s hospital and whether coroners should be physicians or lawyers. Mr. Farebrother, a poor but beloved clergyman, is introduced for the first time and proves himself a skilled conversationalist and card player. Lydgate flirts with Rosamund, but doesn’t consider her a serious romantic prospect. Meanwhile, Rosamund spends hours after their meeting ruminating over every word and look exchanged between them. She is already planning to marry Lydgate because she thinks his superior connections can elevate her social standing.

Context and references

The narrator tells us that Lydgate was educated at a public school, but a footnote clarifies that in the UK, public schools are private, independent, fee-paying secondary schools.

In the lengthy section about the state of the medical profession in Britain, there is a reference on p. 138 to “a recent legal decision.” This refers to the Apothecaries Act of 1815, the first attempt to regulate the medical profession in Britain.

During his time in France, Lydgate considers joining the Saint Simonians just to prove them wrong. The Saint Simonians were followers of the Comte de Saint-Simon, the founder of French socialism and positivism.

Lydgate conducts galvanic experiments. Galvanism is the medical application of electrical currents to tissue, hence the mention of the bewildered rabbits he is electrocuting.