The Science of Sherlock Holmes: From Baskerville Hall to the Valley of Fear, the Real Forensics Behind the Great Detective's Greatest Cases

by E.J. Wagner

From autopsies to zoology, how Holmes eliminated the impossible
This unique book uses the legendary adventures of Sherlock Holmes as a jumping-off point to discuss the growth of forensic science during the Victorian era. The book explores the emergence of science from superstition, how forensic autopsies evolved from anatomical dissection, the huge advances in blood chemistry and poison detection, and the early use of fingerprints, photography and trace evidence. It also provides new insights into landmark criminal cases that influenced the forensic world, such as Jack the Ripper and Lizzie Borden, and includes rare period illustrations.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Mystery, History, Crime, True Crime, Historical

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

E. J. WAGNER is a crime historian, a lecturer, a teller of suspense stories for adults, and the moderator of the annual Forensic Forum at the Museum of Long Island Natural Sciences at Stony Brook University, New York. Her work has been published in Ellery Queens Mystery Magazine, The New York Times and The Lancet.

Her book, The Science of Sherlock Holmes, is a 2007 Edgar Award winner."

Reviews

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

La historia de la ciencia forense, su evolución junto a varios personajes ilustres, algunos muy "peculiares" (sí, qué inesperado) y muchos casos que conmovieron a la opinión pública y enloquecieron a los investigadores, pero permitieron el desarrollo y transformación de esta asombrosa ciencia ¿Qué pinta el gran Sherlock en todo esto? Bueno, la autora (historiadora criminal y sin duda Sherlockiana) se las arregla para encontrar en cada capítulo, una referencia a un caso o comentario del inolvidable Detective.
Con un nivel de complejidad intermedio y escrito competentemente como material de divulgación, resulta una lectura atrayente y repleta de curiosidades para los no expertos en la materia.

[Jc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is more of a lay history of forensic police work than a Sherlock Holmes related book. The author almost seems to be forcing Holmes references into her text. This was not necessary (oh, and some of the S.H. references do work, they just aren’t all needed), as what makes this a good read doesn't need extra help. It is a nice introduction to forensic technique, how it developed, and some of the yet unanswered questions. A definite recommendation to any person who is interested in forensics or who just can't get enough of forensic-oriented TV shows.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Considering how quickly I read this book, I'm surprised I didn't give it more stars. But I think this is an example of expectations not meeting reality. First the good: this was an interesting history of forensic science, focusing on the late nineteenth/early twentieth century. I like the author's writing style and her vocabulary is prodigious. Unfortunately, as a Sherlock Holmes fan, I was disappointed that the book didn't deliver more Sherlock. He was mentioned usually at the beginning and end of each chapter. I was expecting an analysis of the forensic science Sherlock uses in some of his cases. Instead, this felt more like the author had written a history of forensic science, and then some publisher felt it wouldn't sell as is, so she was asked to go back and add some Sherlock Holmes stuff in to draw in readers. Sherlock Holmes was an afterthought in this book, not the focus.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I came home from the library today with a stack of non-fiction to read, and this one happened to catch me eye first. I've read a lot of Holmes-related books this year, so I thought this one would be perfect. I need to mention that I am a rather casual Holmes fan - I like his stories, but I really like the character better, and I am by no means letter-perfect on his adventures in the canon.

I liked the approach of this book. It starts with the premise that Conan Doyle was a dedicated researcher, and that his books would have Holmes as being up to date on all the latest technology. Certainly Holmes has an eclectic approach to science, but he is very much in the forensic specialist mode. However, the book turned out to be a little uneven in the way the real life cases are dealt with, and a little too uncritical of the great detective.

I really liked the chapters where the author compares Holmes approach to some real life cases. The stories of Lizzie Borden, Alfred Dreyfus, and Constance Kent. I also liked reading about the development of blood typing and classifying, footprints, and ballistics. The chapters on the spectral hounds and reports of vampires were not as interesting to me. I finished the book with an appreciation for the ways in which science has come so far in uncovering the truth about a crime compared to the almost random approach of the 1800s. I would recommend this for fans of forensic science or crime fiction.

[Katarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a forensic science major, an ardent Sherlock Holmes fan, and someone with a keen interest in history, I found this book to be an absolute delight! Aside from a history of Victorian/Edwardian forensics and a commentary on Sherlock Holmes, the book presents interesting case studies, examining how they were helped or hindered by the science of their time. Some are even quite humorous. The Science of Sherlock Holmes is well-paced and not bogged down in technical detail-- I had no problem reading it on the beach (where I don't necessarily welcome challenging ideas)-- and organized by topic (such as a chapter on the Padfoot legend and another on fingermarks). I would recommend this to anyone interested in the intersections of history and science.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book looking at the real forensics behind the ACD stories.

It also tracks the use of science in the detection of crime and explores its usage in real cases.

Interesting and readable.

I recommend it to all Sherlock Holmes fans and anyone with an interest in forensics.

[Thomas Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Science of Sherlock Holmes, E.J. Wagner, 2006, ISBN 9780471648796

In the late 1800s, forensic science was in its infancy. At the time, in England, there was no /legal/ way for physicians to acquire cadavers, to study anatomy. So they resorted to robbing graves, or paying others to do so. Some enterprising individuals realized they needn't trouble to dig up a corpse, and could provide the client physician with precisely the age, sex, and condition cadaver required. After all, the raw material is walking around!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I am a student of history and I especially like the Victorian period. I like all the connections the author made between comments of Sherlock Holmes and cases he solved and the real life research that was going on and similar real life crimes. The book was a pretty light read; at an adult level, but not master's thesis level. It gives a good overview of the history and specific cases without getting bogged down in every little detail. Also there is a helpful glossary in the back along with an extensive bibliography so you know where to go if you want more information.

While discussing the crimes the author does get rather graphic in her descriptions, so if that makes you squemish you might want to skip it. However if you are interested in how crime scene investgation has evolved and when new advancements were incorporated this is an excellent book.

[Erth · Rating 4 out of 5]

now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.

The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.

i would highly recommend this author and this book.

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been lured in by an exciting title once again! This book is really about the history of forensic science. It needed more Holmes!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been on kind of a Holmesian kick and related materials, and this book is a good excuse for using the famous names and cases while learning something. Wagner does a great job of including cases throughout history to describe the evolution of forensics and the relative importance of what was available to investigators at the time period - the chapters on bloodwork, fingerprint analysis, and use of poisons I thought were particularly good. And of course I love phrenology!

The organization left something to be desired - at the end of each chapter are random additional notes, which while interesting and informative, seem to be there because they couldn't be worked in in the course of the chapter. I also was caught by surprise at the end of the book - the chapter simply stopped, and then there was no more book. Although the chapter itself was mean to be a conclusion to the book, it didn't have a full summary feel. But these are nit-picky points, and don't really detract from the overall material. This is a fairly fast and easy read, especially for non-fiction.

[Ateana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is actually quite fascinating. It's about the rise of forensic science contemporary to Sherlock Holmes' "life" and explanations about what SH used, what was really, what ACD found in real life investigations.

I love how she explains the way of that time, all those little forensic details that seem perfectly normal for us nowadays but were particularly outrageous/audacious for that time. This book, while extremely interesting by itself, is also a great help to better understand the subtleties and extraordinary details of the original Sherlock Holmes stories.

The many anecdotes and case explanations are riveting and she manages to insert the information and explanations in such a way that you don't realise you're learning, as you're too interested in the practical applications depicted from real cases at the same time.

A definitively enthralling read, despite it being a non-fiction book.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hm, been awhile since I read this but I am bothered by my lack of reviews on Goodreads for all of the books that I have read. This book was easy to read but also a bit disappointing. I expected - more, somehow. Not having the book in front of me, I must go by memory but I remember that there wasn't enough detail about some of the topics and that others were fairly obvious. Still, it was basically an enjoyable book and I do like reading about new things and also about Sherlock Holmes. (Though if you look at what I've read, it's so far been lacking in a lot of Holmes books, but I do follow Holmes a bit on TV and the big screen.)

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and entertaining. Its easy to take forensic science for granted since it is now used so routinely; hard to believe that scientific methods didn't exist 100 years ago.

I liked how each chapter was devoted to a different forensic methodology. The author tied the chapters to Sherlock Holmes mysteries, but I didn't think that was necessary. The information would have stood well on its own.

[Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just ok. The science was interesting, but comparing it to Sherlock Holmes felt like a stretch. There often wasn't much of a connection--it felt like Wagner searched for Holmes stories that could be used as an intro after having already written some of the chapters.

[SB Senpai Manga · Rating 4 out of 5]

We've always known that Holmes used scientific methods that were getting edge in Victorian London, but reading the breakdown of each method plus reading how they were used in real crimes showed how far ahead Doyle was in his time still making the Holmes canon very timeless. Great choice for fans of Holmes and true crime.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is hard to rate this book. From the onset the historical, period criminal cases held my attention as it would for any "collector of odd knowledge". Where E.J. Wagner failed was respectable cross-referencing of fictional writing Conan Doyles character Sherlock Holmes and how the two were distinctly tied together.
Breaking the chapters up by forensic/criminal science and procedures and how they developed through history were well researched, as noted by the multi-page bibliography. What was lacking was the cohesive binding of Sherlock Holmes and said science. Yes there were some good cross-referenced examples but far too little for the 212 page print. The greater irritant and distractor was the vocabulary. Understanding that my word reservoir is limited I felt that Wagner inserted unnecessary pompous words that ruined the reading flow. To be fair here are just a few examples of word choice. If these words are standard grammar then I apologize. Here are a few examples, Charnel, gibbets, gelid, reticent, atavistic, purloining, tallow, malodorous, scion, exsanguinated ...
To end on a positive note, the book, as earlier noted has some interesting historical facts concerning criminal, investigative, and forensic practices.
My knowledge was expanded by the case evidence presented in dactyloscopy (fingerprints), phrenology (cranial evaluation), graphology (handwriting analysis), and a few more forensic first I am unable to remember at this time.

[Sunsettowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sherlock Holmes. As I've mentioned on this blog before, my dog is even named Sherlock! I will pretty much read absolutely anything about the Great Detective, from canon to modernized fictional takes to non-fiction analysis. And I always have high hopes for every book on Holmes I read, that it can do justice to my favorite fictional character and the world Doyle created around him.

Luckily, The Science of Sherlock Holmes is a unique and well-written addition to the multitudes of Sherlock Holmes' books out there. Wagner takes a non-fiction approach to analysis of the canon, specifically through the lens of science and forensics.

Using both Holmes' cases and true crime from around the world, Wagner explores the history and development of forensic science throughout the ages. Everything from fingerprints to blood analysis is covered, and Wagner expertly weaves in Holmes' quotes and true crime tales to highlight and explain.

This is a book for fans of Sherlock Holmes, forensics, true crime, and just really interesting non-fiction reads.

[Amy H. Sturgis · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sherlock Holmes may have been fictional," writes E.J. Wagner, "but what we learn from him is very real. He tell us that science provides not simplistic answers but a rigorous method of formulating questions that may lead to answers." The Science of Sherlock Holmes offers a history of forensic science by focusing on 1) what informed Arthur Conan Doyle's portrayal of Holmes and his method, and 2) how Holmes in turn influenced his real-life descendants. It's not a comprehensive history, but rather a thematic study of advances in various areas of forensics - ballistics, footprints, fingerprints, blood analysis, etc. - with in-depth illustrations from some of the most famous (or infamous) watershed cases in the UK and US (including Jack the Ripper and Lizzie Borden). For my purposes, wanting to get a better handle on how Holmes was informed by and then informed advances in this field, I found it to be an engaging and satisfying read.

[Portia Costa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating and informative read. Shines a light on the forensic background to the Sherlock Holmes stories, with examples from real cases that may have influenced Conan Doyle, and the insights and misapprehensions of investigators at the time. I some ways, the police and scientists of the late Victorian/Edwardian era naturally drew the same correct conclusions that their contemporary counterparts would... but in other cases they were blundering in the dark without benefit of modern technology and discoveries.

Very enjoyable and readable, frequently enhanced by the author's dry wit.

[Pascale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ordered :)This one looks awesome! Halfway through and I love it though it is more a history of forensics than a study of Sherlock's cases in light of forensics. All forgiven though. Just finished and I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I have even ordered a book mentioned which is "the washing away of wrongs" a book on forensics in 13th century China. Go figure but looks pretty interesting.

I recommend the science of Sherlock Holmes to those interested in forensics more than for the fan of Sherlock :)

[Luci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very informative, if you are a fan of detection literature or TV. The author uses the stories of Conan Doyle as a jumping off point to get into the history of the science of detection.

The book is definitely for a novice or someone who does not have a background in forensic science. Everything is laid out very well and is easily understandable by a layman. Wagner does talk about the big crimes and discusses how emerging science either helped, or hindered, the detection process. Worthwhile if you enjoy criminal history.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an excellent, informative look at the history of the era of Sherlock Holmes! It managed to include science that was informative without being way over my head, and every chapter was interesting. Additionally, the incorporation of quotes from the Holmes canon was flawless--not overdone, but very appropriate. Recommended to: Baker Street Irregulars, CSI fans, history buffs who love a good crime.

[David Szondy]

Sherlock Holmes is regarded as the world's greatest detective. More than that, he is that rare instance of a fictional character who has not only become a household word, not only become a part of popular culture and folklore, but has joined that elite group of characters whom many people firmly believe really existed.

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[cagedpopmachine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Science of Sherlock Holmes describes many historical cases and methods that likely influenced Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, interspersed with quotes and tidbits from Sherlock Holmes stories. Many of the cases are quite interesting. The book also gives a decent history of the foundation of the field of forensics and how superstitions hampered the work of curious individuals with Holmes' investigative spirit.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and entertaining for those who are addicted to Sherlock Holmes stories. Many forensic tools and techniques that are common today had not yet been developed when Conan Doyle made use of them in one of the stories, e.e. toxicology, fingerprinting, knowledge of insect life cycles to prove time of death, etc.

[Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tis about the history of forensic sciences interwoven with the stories that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote. I enjoy forensic television shows, but I've never had a desire to read Sherlock Holmes, now I can't wait to start! I will enjoy watching Bones all that much more :~) Wonderfully well written.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining introduction to the history of forensic science and criminology. Loved the lengthly bibliography in the back so I could easily find more information on... whatever. Eugène François Vidocq is a badass.

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was so interesting to read about how crimes were solved in the Victorian era.
Very readable and full of true anticdotes about true crimes and Real Life "Sherlocks" that solved them. A must read for any fan of the Great Detective and the world he lived in.