What does the lengthy description of Higgins’ laboratory tell you about his character? What is important to him? What is of no importance?

Higgins' laboratory has a feel of science as well as gentleman's study than a room for scientific experiments. There are some examples of science at the time,

In this corner stands a flat writing-table, on which are a phonograph, a laryngoscope, a row of tiny organ pipes with a bellows, a set of lamp chimneys for singing flames with burners attached to a gas plug in the wall by an India rubber tube, several tuning-forks of different sizes, a life-size image of half a human head, showing in section the vocal organs, and a box containing a supply of wax cylinders for the phonograph.

The science behind his laboratory is not specified and, much like Higgins, remains aloof. He also sets up the space like a study.

Further down the room, on the same side, is a fireplace, with a comfortable leather-covered easy-chair at the side of the hearth nearest the door, and a coal-scuttle. There is a clock on the mantelpiece. Between the fireplace and the phonograph table is a stand for newspapers.

This reflects Higgins as a man who enjoys his high stature in life. He likes to drink and theorize rather than pursue hard science. One gets the sense that Higgins uses this part of the room more than the science part of the room.