Title:
The scientific Sherlock Holmes : cracking the case with science and forensics / James F. O'Brien.
Author:
O'Brien, James F., 1941-
Publication Information:
Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, c2017.
Call Number:
HV8073 .O36 2017
Abstract:
One of the most popular and widely known characters in all of fiction, Sherlock Holmes has an enduring appeal based largely on his uncanny ability to make the most remarkable deductions from the most mundane facts. O'Brien provides an in-depth look at Holmes's use of science in his investigations. He reveals that Holmes was a pioneer of forensic science, making use of fingerprinting well before Scotland Yard itself had adopted the method, and discusses mathematics, physics, biology, astronomy, meteorology, and geology, always in the context of Holmes's exploits.
ISBN:
9780190670917
Physical Description:
xvii, 175 p. ill. ; 25 cm.
Contents:
How Sherlock Holmes got his start. Arthur Conan Doyle -- The influence of Edgar Allan Poe -- The influence of Dr. Joseph Bell -- Meet the main characters. Sherlock Holmes -- Dr. John H. Watson -- Professor James Moriarty -- Other important characters -- Sherlock Holmes : pioneer in forensic science. The methods of Bertillon -- Fingerprints -- Footprints -- Handwritten documents -- Printed documents -- Cryptology -- Dogs -- Conclusion -- Sherlock Holmes : chemist. Introduction: Profound or eccentric? -- Coal-tar derivatives and dyes -- Chemical poisons -- Asimov's view: Holmes the blundering chemist -- Other chemicals -- Conclusion: Profound or eccentric? -- Sherlock Holmes : other sciences. Mathematics -- Biology -- Physics -- Other sciences.
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