"Perchance the chemist is already damned and the guardian the blackest"

This quote by Lewis Gilbert suggests that the chemist and the guardian may have currently been evaluated and found guilty of some wrongdoing. Making use of the word "damned" indicates that the chemist has been condemned to a fate even worse than death, while the guardian has actually been deemed the "blackest" of all, recommending that they have devoted the most heinous of criminal offenses. This could be interpreted as a warning to those who are in positions of power and impact, as it indicates that they need to beware with their actions, as they might be evaluated and punished for them. It might likewise be viewed as a tip that no one is above the law, and that everybody is liable for their actions. Ultimately, this quote acts as a reminder that we ought to all bear in mind our actions and the consequences they might have.