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The Scientific Sherlock Holmes : Cracking the Case with Science and Forensics
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The Scientific Sherlock Holmes : Cracking the Case with Science and Forensics Hardcover - 2013 - 1st Edition

by O'Brien, James

  • Used

Description

Oxford University Press, Incorporated. Used - Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.
Used - Good
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Details

  • Title The Scientific Sherlock Holmes : Cracking the Case with Science and Forensics
  • Author O'Brien, James
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Edition number 1st
  • Edition 1
  • Condition Used - Good
  • Pages 200
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Oxford University Press, Incorporated, Oxford, UK
  • Date 2013-01-02
  • Illustrated Yes
  • Features Bibliography, Dust Cover, Illustrated, Index, Table of Contents
  • Bookseller's Inventory # 334358-6
  • ISBN 9780199794966 / 0199794960
  • Weight 0.9 lbs (0.41 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.9 in (23.62 x 16.00 x 2.29 cm)
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: 19th Century
    • Chronological Period: 1851-1899
    • Cultural Region: British
  • Library of Congress subjects Holmes, Sherlock (Fictitious character), Detective and mystery stories, English -
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2012023297
  • Dewey Decimal Code 363.25

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From the publisher

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. The very first words that Sherlock Holmes ever says to Dr. Watson are, "How are you? You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive." Watson responds, "How on earth did you know that?" And so a crime-solving legend is born.

In The Scientific Sherlock Holmes, James O'Brien provides an in-depth look at Holmes's use of science in his investigations. Indeed, one reason for Holmes's appeal is his frequent use of the scientific method and the vast scientific knowledge which he drew upon to solve mysteries. For instance, in heart of the book, the author reveals that Holmes was a pioneer of forensic science, making use of fingerprinting well before Scotland Yard itself had adopted the method. One of the more appealing aspects of the book is how the author includes real-world background on topics such as handwriting analysis, describing how it was used to capture the New York Zodiac killer and to clinch the case against the Lindbergh baby kidnapper.

Sherlock Holmes was knowledgeable about several sciences, most notably chemistry. Therefore the book takes a close look at Holmes the chemist and discusses, for example, chemical poisons such as carbon monoxide, chloroform, and Prussic acid (the historical name for hydrogen cyanide). The author also debunks Isaac Asimov's famous assertion that Holmes was a blundering chemist. In addition, the book discusses mathematics, physics, biology, astronomy, meteorology, and geology, always in the context of Holmes's exploits.

Sherlock Holmes continues to fascinate millions of readers and movie goers alike. The Scientific Sherlock Holmes is a must-read for the legion of fans of this most beloved of all fictional detectives.

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Citations

  • Booklist, 12/15/2012, Page 6
  • Choice, 09/01/2013, Page 0
  • Publishers Weekly, 10/29/2012, Page 0

About the author

Jim O'Brien is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Missouri State University. A lifelong fan of Holmes, O'Brien presented his paper "What Kind of Chemist Was Sherlock Holmes" at the 1992 national American Chemical Society meeting, which resulted in an invitation to write a chapter on Holmes the chemist in the book Chemistry and Science Fiction. O'Brien has since given over 120 lectures on Holmes and science. In 1996, O'Brien taught a college course on Holmes in London.

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