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Sep 26, 2018

"either a very bad joke or an insult" [SILV] 

 

We occasionally hear "Mr. Cocksure" and "jack-in-office" thrown about as epithets in the Sherlock Holmes stories. But by and large, there is very little profanity in these Victorian and early Edwardian detective tales.

 

But Sherlock Holmes manages to insult and put down...


Sep 20, 2018

"come on to the Continent with me" [FINA] 

 

Watson occasionally accompanied Sherlock Holmes onto the Continent (i.e., Europe), but there were many other instances when Holmes's work took him there without Watson. And we, along with Watson, were later treated to tantalizing hints as to what happened.

 

What were some of...


Sep 13, 2018

"off to violin-land, where all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony" [REDH] 

 

One of the most off-hand but arresting comments that Sherlock Holmes made was that he owned a Stradivarius violin. That he had purchased for a mere 55 shillings!

 

What do we know of Stradivarius instruments, and about Holmes's own ability...


Sep 5, 2018

"when a doctor does go wrong, he is the first of criminals" [SPEC]  

 

The Sherlock Holmes stories are told from the perspective of a doctor. So it only stands to reason that he would notice other medical men throughout his adventures with the great detective.

 

As we look at doctors across the Canon, we find...