Experiment and the Novel

A double exploration of experiment in the novel from 1750 into the 19th century.  Taking off from Zola's "The Experimental Novel," consideration of the novel's aspect as scientific instrument.  Taking the idea of experimental fiction in the usual sense of departures from standard practice, consideration of works that seem to break away from techniques of "realism" devised prior to 1750.  Possible texts by: Sterne, Walpole, Burney,Sade, Godwin, Lewis, Goethe.