Some have said just that, but the legend of The Golem of Prague may have inspired Mary Shelley.
The Golem didn’t involve science like the Monster. The Golem was strictly magic/miracle.
“the legend of The Golem of Prague may have inspired Mary Shelley.”
That could be, and although I sort of know the basics of that story I’ve never read or seen any version of it.
But from what I’d know I’d say the story of the Golem is one of magic, that’s why I’d be tempted to give it to Mary on the “science” side.
It’s funny too *SPOILER ALERT* (odd for a story that all know, but just to be extra careful) - she really glosses over the whole gruesome creation of the creature. She gets the details across, but she doesn’t dwell on that aspect.
Also, it’s not really clear to me how Dr. F. sparks him to life, I didn’t notice any lightening strikes.
They actually souped that up for the movie pretty good.
That might be a good example of the difference between men and women right there.
Another thing I got a kick from - Mel Brooks really had the right title “Young Frankenstein”, in the book the guy is really young, he’s just a student. A lot younger than even Brooks own Dr. who’s actually a full fledged professor at the start.