Chemical Reagent Testing
Analytical chemistry in the service of detection.
Sherlock Holmes uses analytical chemistry in his investigations, for blood residue analysis and for toxicology to detect poisons. His home chemistry laboratory is mentioned in "The Naval Treaty". For evidence too small for the naked eye he keeps an optical microscope at his Baker Street lodgings.
Quick Facts
- Practitioner
- Sherlock Holmes
- Location
- 221B Baker Street Residence
Lore & Background
Holmes is particularly skilled in the analysis of trace evidence and other physical evidence. He uses tobacco ashes and cigarette butts to identify criminals, and in one case gunpowder residue exposes two murderers. In "The Gloria Scott", set in his student days, he spends seven weeks on a set of chemistry experiments before a telegram calls him back to Norfolk.
Reader's Guide
In 2002 the Royal Society of Chemistry bestowed an honorary fellowship on Holmes for his use of forensic science and analytical chemistry in popular literature. The effect of the stories on the development of forensic science has often been overstated, but Holmes inspired later generations of forensic scientists to think scientifically and analytically.
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