Though most of us probably have an impression of him through Paget's work, here is
exactly how our good friend Watson puts it:
"His very person and appearance were such as to strike the most casual observer. In height he was rather over six feet,and so excessively lean that he seemed to be considerably taller. His eyes were sharp and piercing, save during those intervals of torpor to which I have alluded; and his thin, hawk-like nose gave his whole expression an air of alertness and decision. His chin, too, had the prominence and squareness which mark the man of determination. His hands were invariable blotted with ink and stained with chemicals, yet he was possessed of extraordinary delicacy of touch, as I frequently had occasion to observe when I watched him manipulating the fragile philosophical instruments."Quite a good-looking fellow, isn't he?
Lestrade?
"There was one little sallow, rat-faced, dark eyed fellow, who was introduced to me as Mr. Lestrade,..."
Tobias Gregson?
"...a tall, white-faced, flaxen-haired man,..."
The Baker Street Irregulars?
"...there came a swift pattering of naked feet upon the stairs, a clatter of high voices, and in rushed a dozen dirty and ragged little street arabs. There was some show of discipline among them, despite their tulmultous entry, for they instantly drew up in line and stood facing us with expectant faces. One of their number, taller and older than the others, stood forward with an air of lounging superiority which was very funny in such a disreputable scarecrow."
"He was a middle-sized, strongly-built man- square jaw, thick neck, moustache....."
The A-B-C of Holmesian Adventures
Q. What was the very first reference to Sherlock Holmes by name?
A. The first reference was made in the story, 'A Study in Scarlet' by Stamford, who introduced Dr. Watson to Holmes. Let's walk in on the scene just before the mention is made:
... 'What are you up to now?'(Note from WebMaster: Now let's all toss our heads back and laugh at this one!)
'Looking for lodgings,' I answered. 'Trying to solve the problem as to whether it is possible to get comfortable rooms at a reasonable price.'
'That's a strange thing,' remarked my companion 'you re the second man today that has used that expression to me.'
'And who was the first?' I asked. 'A fellow who is working at the chemical laboratory up at the hospital. He was bemoaning himself this morning because he could not get someone to go halves with him in some nice room which he had found, and which were too much for his purse.'
'By Jove!' I cried; 'if he really wants someone to share the rooms and the expense, I am the very man for him. I should prefer having a partner to being alone.'
Young Stamford looked rather strangely at me over his wine-glass. 'You don't know Sherlock Holmes yet,' he said; 'perhaps you would not care for him as a constant companion.'
Q. Just how much does Sherlock know?
A.
Holmes was full of surprises to me, in every story. The expanse of his knowledge seemed to have constantly redefining boundaries. Yet, it seems as though Watson's had no problem trying to define Sherlock's field, albeit with quite a bit of naivety. It should shed some light for at least a few of us!
Click here to read it!
Q. How does Sherlock deduce?
Q.
In one word-logically. To elaborate further, his knowledge of a person is derived by his observation of their:
- nails
- sleeves
- trousers (if ladies, their skirt)
- stride
- cigarette ashes
- gait (way of walk)
- their 'air'
Q. How many adventures of Sherlock Holmes have been written?
A.In itself, the above question is not complete. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Holmes, wrote for us 60 short stories and 4 novels (STUD, FOUR, HOUN, VALL).
However, the Master has used his many skills to solve MANY more crimes, owing to the many pastiches written through time. Indeed, one would find quite a few Holmesian pastiches on the bookstand even today.
Q. Every story has its villain. Who are the chief villains in Sherlock's world?
A. Aha! Now here is a list of the most notorious, infamous, vile people (in plain language, creeps) in our friend's dossier.
AKA: The Napoleon of crime
STORY OF ENCOUNTER: The Adventure of the Final Problem
NAME: Colonel Moran
AKA: The second most dangerous man in London
STORY OF ENCOUNTER: The Adventure of the Empty House
NAME: Stapleton
STORY OF ENCOUNTER: The Hound of the Baskervilles
NAME: Charles Augustus Milverton
AKA: The worst man in London
STORY OF ENCOUNTER: The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton
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