What do you suppose Edgar Allan Poe has his hero claim an interest in physical philosophy?

Edgar Allan Poe likely had his hero claim an interest in physical philosophy to emphasize the character's intellectual depth and curiOSity. By being interested in physical philosophy, the hero is portrayed as someone who is inquisitive about the natural world and seeks to understand the fundamental principles that govern it. This interest also adds a layer of complexity to the character and sets them apart as a thinker in Poe's narrative.