Dear Sherlockians,



Sherlock Holmes–his limits"

Knowledge of Literature.—Nil.
" " Philosophy.—Nil.
" " Astronomy.—Nil.
" " Politics.—Feeble.
" " Botany.—Variable. Well up in belladonna, opium, and poisons
generally. Knows nothing of practical gardening.
Knowledge of Geology.—Practical, but limited. Tells at a glance
different soils from each other. After walks has shown me splashes
upon his trousers, and told me by their colour and consistence in
what part of London he had received them.
Knowledge of Chemistry.—Profound.
" " Anatomy.—Accurate, but unsystematic.
" " Sensational Literature.—Immense. He appears to know every detail
of every horror perpetrated in the century.
Plays the violin well.
Is an expert singlestick player, boxer, and swordsman.
Has a good practical knowledge of British law

Later stories make clear, however, that the above list is
misleading, and that Holmes—who has just met Watson—is pulling
Watson's leg. Two examples: Despite Holmes' supposed ignorance of
politics, in "A Scandal in Bohemia" he immediately recognizes the
true identity of the supposed Count von Kramm. Regarding non-
sensational literature, Holmes' speech is replete with references to
the Bible, Shakespeare, and even Goethe

What do you have to say on this?
sumal