While his profession isn't explicitly stated in the text, it's heavily implied that he is a " [Blank] "
This is because:
* His focus is on facts and figures. He criticizes the school's curriculum for lacking practicality and emphasizes the need for "facts." This aligns with the focus on industrial production and resource extraction.
* His attire and demeanor suggest a wealthy industrialist. Dickens describes him as "a large man, with a broad, red face, a [Blank] , a [Blank] , and a [Blank] .”
It's worth noting that Dickens often uses symbolism in his work, and this gentleman's appearance and focus on facts likely represent the dominant industrial force in Victorian England.