A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle

Holmes, however, eventually reveals that he is a “consulting detective” who helps other detectives with their cases by applying “the science of deduction and analysis.” Holmes claims that he is able to deduce the history and profession of any man through careful observation and analysis.

As he has little else to do, Watson becomes increasingly interested in his roommate’s eccentricities - such as his deep knowledge of chemistry and British law and simultaneous ignorance of literature and astronomy - and spends much of his time speculating about Holmes’ profession but failing to come to a conclusion. Stamford mentions that an acquaintance, Sherlock Holmes, is looking for a roommate, and after warning Watson about Holmes’ eccentricity and scientific coldness, agrees to introduce them.Īfter Holmes and Watson meet to discuss the rooms and review their compatibility with each other, they move immediately into 221B Baker Street, and find each other easy to live with. The two catch up, with Watson recounting to Stamford his misfortunes during the war and his need to find a less expensive residence. Watson is living in a London hotel, “leading a comfortless, meaningless existence,” when he runs into an old colleague, Stamford. Watson, an army doctor who has just returned to England after being injured during the Second Afghan War. The book's title derives from a speech given by Holmes, a consulting detective, to his friend and chronicler Watson on the nature of his work, in which he describes the story's murder investigation as his 'study in scarlet': 'There's the scarlet thread of murder running through the colourless skein of life, and our duty is to unravel it, and isolate it, and expose every inch of it.Part 1 of the novel is presented as an excerpt from the journal of John H. Watson, who would become the most famous detective duo in popular fiction. The story marks the first appearance of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Sat 21st Jan 1978, 20:30 on BBC Radio 4 FMĪ Study in Scarlet is an 1887 detective novel written by Arthur Conan Doyle. Saturday-Night Theatre: A Study in Scarlet Watson MD, has recently taken up residence at 221B Baker Street. He consults Mr Sherlock Holmes, a rather eccentric young gentleman who, together with J. Inspector Gregson of Scotland Yard is puzzled. An American is found dead in an empty house in the Brixton Road.

A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle