The stranger came early in February ... He was wrapped up from head to foot, and the brim of his soft felt hat hid every inch of his face but the shiny tip of his nose.' After being evicted by his innkeeper, the invisible man reveals his "secret" and escapes without being seen by anyone. This eerie beginning develops into the story behind the "disfigured stranger" as he is hunted through the English countryside. Once a brilliant scientist, Griffin has been gradually consumed by his research. When he finally achieves his goal, the final result is his departure from humanity. He feels no remorse in using his invisibility to gratify his increasing desires. As he gradually loses his mind, it is hard to determine if it is a result of his chemical concoction, or a simple continuation of his moral decline. At a time when science fiction was depicting what wonders the future would bring, H. G. Wells was one of the first writers to explore the dark side of science, and portray how easily mortal man could be corrupted when tempted by seemingly unlimited power.