I'm sorry, but this old lab gear makes me think of H.G Wells (or maybe Jules Verne) and then my wicked sense of humor took over, lol.
However, this could explain a LOT about Moreau's behavior...
These photos are from a photo session at the old Watts Campbell Steam Engine machine shop in Newark, NJ. this 1/2 block sized building houses a number of old machine tools, as well as items collected from the once sprawling 3-1/2 acre complex that has mostly been torn down or repurposed. Chadd Watts himself allows free-roaming access by appointment.