Dr. Avery Robins is a young man, not yet 30.  He is driven by his thirst for knowledge in regards to science, nature and the universe as a whole.  He has radical ideas (for the 1890s) regarding nutrition, physical training, physiology, electricity and free ions.  Using these theories, he has become physically stronger and healthier than many of his counterparts.  While he is a "strong" class, he is really only of average height and weight - it is his physical regimen and nutrition that have made him strong.  Likewise, his knowledge of physiology has improved his melee combat and brawling skills.  
He has begun to suspect that there are things in the world that don't match classical science, and that has only intrigued him and made him want to learn more.