In this segment of 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', Stevenson introduces a pivotal moment where Jekyll's experiments symbolize scientific pursuit, pushing moral and religious boundaries. The narrative describes his laboratory environment, with references to 'chemical re-agents' and 'unnatural lust for knowledge'. The text hints at the moral ambiguity of scientific progress, contrasting it with traditional religious values rooted in morality and divine authority. Stevenson uses imagery such as 'the foggy and ominous street' juxtaposed with 'the calm, cathedral-like serenity of the church', highlighting the societal tension. The phrase 'man is not truly one, but truly two' encapsulates the duality of human nature, linking scientific curiosity with moral conflict. This context invites reflection on the Victorian era’s conflicts between scientific discovery and religious doctrine, as well as the moral implications that Stevenson explores through Jekyll's transformation.

Stevenson describes Jekyll’s laboratory as 'a chemical laboratory, bound with gates, and in the centre, a dingy, windowless structure.' Later, he refers to 'the foggy and ominous street' and 'the calm, cathedral-like serenity of the church.' The phrase 'man is not truly one, but truly two' illustrates the duality of human nature.

Throughout the novel, Stevenson warns of the moral peril posed by scientific overreach, portraying Jekyll’s experiments as a quest that threatens the fabric of society. The narrative suggests that without moral restraint, scientific discovery can lead to chaos and loss of humanity, echoing Victorian anxieties about the rapidly advancing sciences challenging traditional religious beliefs.

Symbols such as the 'fog', representing confusion or the unknown, and the 'church', symbolising morality and divine authority, are used throughout the novel. The 'lab' signifies scientific exploration, often associated with secrecy and moral ambiguity, contrasting with the openness and moral strength of the church.