The Medical Casebook of Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson

By: Nick Howlett

Narrated by: Adam Blanford

Arthur Conan Doyle was a GP before he became a writer. He uses his medical knowledge widely in the Sherlock Holmes stories. He bases the deductive skills of his hero detective on the diagnostic techniques a GP uses with a patient. He even gives Sherlock a GP sidekick. This all contributes to the enduring popularity of the Sherlock Holmes stories, over 130 years after the first story was published.

An amazing 52 diseases feature in the Sherlock Holmes stories. This includes many that remain significant parts of a GP's workload today - diabetes, asthma, ischaemic heart disease, stroke. There are then other diseases that have largely died out in the UK due to advances in medical science - diphtheria, brain fever, rickets, tetanus.

The Medical Casebook of Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson takes a definitive look at how Conan Doyle uses these 52 diseases in the stories. It also gives a historical perspective on the Victorian understanding of the diseases, using the textbooks Conan Doyle would very likely have had sitting on his consulting room shelves.

©2023 Nick Howlett (P)2023 MX Publishing

Holmes vs Syphillis?

In the enthralling audiobook "The Medical Casebook of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson" by Nick Howlett, expertly narrated by Adam Blanford, listeners are treated to a captivating journey into the intricate world of Victorian medicine as illuminated by the brilliant mind of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This unique exploration dives deep into the Sherlock Holmes stories, shedding light on over 52 diseases featured in the tales and offering a profound understanding of their historical context.

Nick Howlett, drawing on his expertise as a physician, masterfully weaves together citations from the Holmes books, comparisons with contemporary Victorian medical texts, and his own insightful commentary. As an amateur scientist, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the meticulous exploration of how Doyle seamlessly integrated medical knowledge into his detective stories. What sets this audiobook apart is its accessibility to both medical professionals and avid Holmes fans alike.

The brilliance of Arthur Conan Doyle lies not only in his storytelling prowess but also in his ability to infuse the deductive skills of Sherlock Holmes with the diagnostic techniques employed by a general practitioner. Howlett brilliantly dissects this aspect, unraveling the symbiotic relationship between Holmes and his GP sidekick, Dr. John Watson, and showcasing the enduring popularity of these stories over 130 years since their inception.

What truly sets "The Medical Casebook of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson" apart is its comprehensive exploration of the 52 diseases featured in the Holmes tales. From diabetes and asthma, still prevalent in today's medical landscape, to diseases that have faded into obscurity in the UK due to medical advancements—such as diphtheria, brain fever, rickets, and tetanus—the audiobook provides a fascinating historical perspective on Victorian medicine.

The narratives of these diseases are not merely clinical entries but are dissected in the context of their role in the Sherlock Holmes stories. Howlett delves into how these medical conditions play pivotal roles in shaping the plot, adding layers of complexity to Doyle's narratives. This approach not only enhances our understanding of Victorian medicine but also enriches the appreciation of the Holmes tales themselves.

Just as an FYI here is a short list of Doyle tales that feature illnesses: Typhoid Fever: In "The Adventure of the Speckled Band," Dr. Grimesby Roylott attempts to use a venomous snake to kill his stepdaughter Helen Stoner. The snake, a swamp adder, was imported from India and was known to be deadly. While not a disease, it's a medical element with deadly consequences.

Leprosy: Leprosy is mentioned in "The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier" as a plot point. The story revolves around a soldier who contracts leprosy during his military service in India.

Smallpox: In "The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist," Holmes mentions smallpox as part of a disguise. Smallpox was a highly contagious and deadly disease prevalent in the 19th century.

Opium Addiction: While not a disease in the traditional sense, opium addiction is explored in "The Man with the Twisted Lip." Holmes encounters a character, Isa Whitney, who is found in an opium den.

Oh, and if you're wondering about my headline, some of the stories may indirectly touch upon social issues related to health and morality, but explicit discussions or investigations of syphilis are not prominent in Doyle's original works. If you're interested in exploring Victorian attitudes toward health and disease in literature, you might find references to various medical conditions, but syphilis is not a central theme in the Holmes canon.

Adam Blanford's narration is a sheer delight, elevating the audiobook to new heights. With a keen understanding of the characters, Blanford masterfully adopts appropriate voices when reading excerpts from the books, bringing Holmes, Watson, and the supporting cast to life. His regular narration voice is equally engaging, maintaining a seamless flow throughout the audiobook.

Despite the scientific terminology peppered throughout the book, Howlett ensures that the material remains accessible to all listeners. Whether you're a medical professional seeking a historical perspective or a devoted Holmes fan looking to delve deeper into the intricacies of the stories, "The Medical Casebook of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson" caters to a diverse audience.

I wholeheartedly recommend this audiobook to anyone intrigued by the intersection of literature and medicine. Nick Howlett's meticulous research, coupled with Adam Blanford's outstanding narration, makes for an enriching and enjoyable experience. "The Medical Casebook of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson" is not just a glimpse into Victorian medicine; it's a riveting journey through the lens of one of literature's most iconic detectives.

Impressive review of diseases in ACD’s Holmes canon

This book is a fascinating view into 50+ medical diseases mentioned in the Holmes books. The author, Nick Howlett, describes the medical conditions using citations / passages in the books, comparisons contemporary Victorian medical texts, and his own commentary as a physician and medical expert. I am a scientist and was thoroughly engrossed in this book. However, despite the fact that the book is filled with scientific terminology, the book is written for any Holmes fan. The narration by Adam Blanford is wonderful. He creates the appropriate voices for the characters while reading the book excerpts, and narrates the rest of the book in his regular voice. I recommend this interesting, well researched glimpse at Victorian medicine through the eyes of ACD’s characters. I received a free audiobook code for my honest review.