The John H Watson Society

An occasional feature of published pages about John Watson

Holmes is encouraging Watson to give his analysis of Mortimer’s stick. Let me slip this thing away from Dr. Watson and pass it around. There you are.

You may recall that this type of walking stick is called a “Penang lawyer.” The island of Penang, from which these beauties come, can be found off the coast of Malaysia, not all that far from Sumatra. As with so many other British colonies, Penang started out as a penal colony, and these bulbous-headed sticks were probably the closest things the prisoners had to a lawyer. You can see how they might settle a disagreement rather swiftly.

This particular specimen also has an engraved silver band near the top, which seems to be attracting most of Watson’s attention…or it will as soon as I give it back to him. There you go, Doctor.

“To James Mortimer, M.R.C.S., from his friends of the C.C.H., 1884” is what the engraving reads. From this and the stick’s condition in general, Watson has deduced that Mortimer is a successful, elderly fellow, a country doctor who does a lot of walking, and is especially well liked by members of the local hunt club. He must assume they have a lot of gun-cleaning accidents and Mortimer is extremely skilled at removing buckshot.

Watson has given it his best shot. After studying Holmes’s methods for years, he thinks that this time he’s really captured it, done the trick himself. At moments like these, you really have to feel sorry for the guy. It’s like watching that basketball team that always plays the Harlem Globetrotters. They do a decent job of it, but you always know they’re about to be used to mop the floor. It’s the same with Watson.

From The Armchair Baskerville Tour by Brad Keefauver, Magico Magazine, 1995, p. 8.

Yes, it’s Watsonian Weekly time again — it does happen every week, remember? You may have listened once a long time ago, but that means you haven’t heard more recent features like “What’s on Watson,” “Roxie’s Bull Pup Poetry Corner,” “Want Them To Be Watson,” or the latest, “The Watson View of . . .” (Insert story name here.) It’s less than twenty minutes long, so not much commitment there at all.

You can find “The Watsonian Weekly” every week at:
https://watsonianweekly.libsyn.com/
or on Apple podcasts, Spotify, and all those places podcasts tend to show up.

An occasional feature about the places in the John H Watson Canon

‘But you, Watson,’ he stopped his work and took his old friend by the shoulders; ‘I’ve hardly seen you in the light yet. How have the years used you? You look the same blithe boy as ever.’
‘I feel twenty years younger, Holmes. I have seldom felt so happy as when I got your wire asking me to meet you at Harwich with the car. But you, Holmes – you have changed very little – save for that horrible goatee.’
‘These are the sacrifices one makes for one’s country, Watson,’ said Holmes, pulling at his little tuft. ‘To-morrow it will be but a dreadful memory. With my hair cut and a few other superficial changes I shall no doubt reappear at Claridge’s to-morrow as I was before this American stunt – I beg your pardon, Watson, my well of English seems to be permanently defiled – before this American job came my way.’

‘His Last Bow: An Epilogue of Sherlock Holmes’

The East coast ports are Dutch. Mellow brick houses have stepped battlements, the prevailing colours are from sand and brick. The old town of Harwich is the best of them, with its narrow streets on the peninsula between the Orwell and the Stour.

From “English Cities and Small Towns” by John Betjeman, A Panorama of Rural England, W.J. Turner, Ed., Chanticleer Press, 1944, p. 130.

Harwich is not just any port. Not only is it the UK’s second busiest passenger ferry port, its harbour, which is the largest between the Humber, in the north of England, and London, was created by a storm surge in the 1100s, a quirk of fate that gave rise to the area’s long and fascinating seafaring history.

From Harwich & Dovercourt, visitessex.com.

In 885 ce Alfred the Great defeated Danish ships in a battle that took place in the harbour. Harwich’s seaborne trade developed steadily, notably in the 14th century, and shipbuilding was a significant industry in the 17th century. The town’s major development, however, awaited the coming of the railway. Harwich became, as an outport of London, a terminus for passenger ferries across the North Sea.

From Harwich, England, United Kingdom, www.britannica.com

Note: I realize the last two quotes about the harbour at Harwich are odd in the contrast in their dates. That is why I chose them. The contradiction in dates and events seems serendipitous when talking about the writings of John H Watson.–Mopsy

An occasional feature of published pages about John Watson

The date of Watson’s death is unknown, and those who dream of an immortal Sherlock Holmes long for Watson to remain by his side. Without Holmes’s aid, however, the “old campaigner”, as he styled himself in 1891, must have passed over those Reichenbach Falls in the sky not long after his friend and colleague Arthur Conan Doyle. “Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself; but talent instantly recognizes genius,” Watson wrote of Inspector Macdonald in The Valley of Fear, but he might well have said the same of himself. Without the talents of John H. Watson, Holmes may well have laboured in obscurity.

From The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes Vol I by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Edited with a Foreword and Notes by Leslie S. Klinger, pg. lii.

An occasional feature about the places in the John H Watson Canon

“What say you, Watson? Can you rise superior to the heat, and run down to Croydon with me on the off chance of a case for your annals?’ ‘I was longing for something to do.’ ‘You shall have it, then. Ring for our boots, and tell them to order a cab. I’ll be back in a moment, when I have changed my dressing-gown and filled my cigar-case.’ A shower of rain fell while we were in the train, and the heat was far less oppressive in Croydon than in town.

‘The Adventure of the Cardboard Box‘

“Nevertheless, up and down the country, since at least the mid sixteenth century, hundreds of real wife-sales have been reported, and there must have been many hundreds more which went unrecorded. Not every sale realised fifteen pounds, however, as can be seen in this article than appeared in the Hereford Journal on 17 March 1894:

SELLING A WIFE FOR FOUR PENCE

One of the few remaining common lodging-houses in Middle-Row, Croydon was on Sunday night the scene of a curious transaction, a labouring-man selling his wife for a pot of fourpenny-ale. The purchased adopted the precaution of taking a receipt for his money, and when the newly-mated couple adjourned to a neighbouring public house, the document was the object of much curiosity. It is said the husband and wife parted on very friendly terms.

From the extensive number of cases, it is clear that many of those involved genuinely believed that such transactions were a legal form of divorce, as long as certain rules were adhered to. The local market was the commonest place for the auction, and in some cases the wife was led in wearing a halter to emphasis the connection with a livestock sale. The husband would be careful to pay the toll he would normally pay for selling an animal, and be equally careful to get a receipt. The wife might be dressed on in her shift, which symbolised the fact that the purchaser took her as she stood, and could make no further claim on the husband. If all this sounds dreadful in our post-feminist age, it must be noted that in at least some of the cases we know that the wife had agreed to the proceedings and had, in fact, already arranged who was going to bid for her.”

From London Lore: The Legends and Traditions of the World’s Most Vibrant City by Steve Roud, p. 103.

Don’t forget to get your Treasure Hunt answers in to treasurehunt@johnhwatsonsociety.com by September 5!

Team/Individual Name(s):

Primary Contact if for a team:

Primary Contact email:

2021 JOHN H. WATSON TREASURE HUNT

1 point for every correct answer unless otherwise specified.

PART 1: WATSONIAN WORLD OLIO

1. How many wives did John Watson have? Name them all alphabetically.

2. What is a far Eastern intestinal inflammation caused by Salmonella?

3. What is an Augean stable for couch potatoes? 

4. Who was thin as a narrow piece of wood and brown as a nut?

5. Bozo would have been proud of whom for being the glue?

6. The most famous “Angel” in the Canon, Hosmer, didn’t really exist. Can you name five others who were real? 5 points

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

7. Name eight Canon kings without royal blood. 8 points

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

g.

h.

8. What was Nigel Bruce’s middle name? 

9. What was Basil Rathbone’s middle name?

10. Dr. Watson frequently dispensed his favorite medicine, brandy. What other two medicines did he consider? 2 points

a.

b.

11. Which person in the Canon had been jollified?

12. What was found near a fictitious river near Xiamen?

13. Name three who were, initially, sentenced to death but spared? 3 points

a.

b.

c.

14. The official colors of the Baker Street Irregulars were chosen by Christopher Morley based on what item and which colors?  

a.

b.

15. Who was the combined age of: when one became master of the house plus the number of crew on a ship lost at sea?   3 points

 16. Two men played chess together in Lewisham 29 years before their almost namesakes met again in what Sherlockian story?

17. In reference to q. 16, what were the chess players’ names in the story? 2 points

a.

b.

18. He met his Maker while standing but no bullet was fired. Name the story.

19. In reference to q. 18, who died?

20. He hired a one-legged man to help him manage his blues. Name the boss, the man and the story. 3 points

a.

b.

c.

21. Watson thought Holmes could have rivaled which actor?

22. This poet’s Shakespearean pastiche was one of a kind. Who was the author and what was the title? 2 points

a.

b.

23.Two Scotland Yard inspectors used a term to compare a man and a woman with young, rowdy people who cause damage. What was the term?

24. In reference to q. 23, who were the two inspectors?  2 points

a.

b.

25. In reference to q. 23, who was the man?

26. In reference to q. 23,  who was the woman? 

27. [The sum of the numbers of two unused upper circle tickets] – [The house number of the address where the wife with aroused suspicions exited the cab] + [The number of minutes in a first-class carriage ride to Birmingham]  ÷  2/3 = [What Canonical plant]? 4 points

28. There was confusion caused by two individuals in a story having the same initials. Name the three pairs and the three stories where this confusion occurred. 6 Points (2 points each)

a.

b.

c.

29. How many places could Holmes go to disguise himself?

30. Sherlock Holmes allergy to cats affects his ability to solve a case in a short story by what famous writer? 

31. According to one canonical Mister, this person was more of an expert than Holmes. Who was the person?

32. Which military fencing champion portrayed Sherlock Holmes in the movies?

33. One was short-sighted, another naturally blind, the third missed a train. Two died and one survived. What did the three have in common? 

34. In reference to q. 33, who were the three persons? 3 points

a.

b.

c.

35. Who was the man from Gdansk who Holmes showed how it really happened?

36. Who was the first voice to speak after host Brad Keefauver on the first episode of the Watsonian Weekly podcast?

37. In reference to q. 36, what topic did the person discuss?

38. Who composed the theme song for the Watsonian Weekly podcast? 

39. Two characters had the same surname; one a future bridegroom, one a lawbreaker. Who were they? 2 points

a.

b.

40. Which woman did Holmes compare to a chicken? 

Part 2: LONDON NEWSPAPERS

Name the Daily newspaper and the story in which the item mentioned appeared:

2 points for each correct pair of answers

41. This newspaper labeled the crime as a political one.

42. This newspaper’s advertisement sheet was thrown aside by Sherlock Holmes.

43. This newspaper was picked up by Mycroft Holmes.

44. This newspaper was removed from Holmes’ knee by the accused murderer.  

45. This newspaper reported a murder discovery made by the Parisian police.

46. This newspaper labeled one officer in charge as the smartest detective.

47. This newspaper reported a lady’s distress on a bus.

48. This newspaper was visited by Holmes and Watson at the end of a busy day.

49. This newspaper’s editor was beaten.

Part 3: UNTOLD STORIES

Sherlockians and pastiche writers love speculating about the untold adventures discussed by Dr. John H. Watson. Name the title of the untold adventure and the story in which it appeared.  2 points for each correct pair of answers

50. Petroselinum crispum

51. Costermonger pushcart 

52. Don’t judge a book by its cover

53. Wind up  

54. Umbrella 

55. Dentures 

56. Toothless 

57. Fake 

58. Peerless 

59. Plague

60. Understood by one

61. Female but not a woman 

 62. Powderless 

Part 4: HOUSEKEEPERS IN THE CANON

Identify the housekeeper by the clue.

63. She didn’t notice the scratch.

64. She slept through the night and heard nothing.

65. She didn’t hesitate to let them in.

66. She was mistakenly arrested.

67. She was hard of hearing.

68. She was old but respectable.

69. She found the fingerprint.

70. She had a black cat.

Part 5: WATSONIAN WORD OLIO CONTINUED

71. An electrician, a solicitor, a marine, a second son and a cashier walk into a bar in London, what do they all have in common?

72. In reference to q. 71, name with whom?  5 points

a. Electrician/

b. Solicitor/

c. Marine/

d. Second son/

e. Cashier/

73. Dr. John H. Watson mentioned two people who he knew in Afghanistan. Who were they? 2 points

a.

b.

74. He once made the beer, and he was responsible for the introduction. Who, who and who? 3 points

a.

b.

c.

75. More than likely it was this ten-year-old best-selling text Watson laid aside when he lost interest due to the weather. What text? Which author?

76. John H. Watson’s literary agent was quite taken with this person’s Holmes-like power of disguise when the person was acting like Holmes. Who?

77. This Madame appeared in the world of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson almost 30 times. Who?

78.  Supply the missing names.  6 points.

a. Douglas:: Nigel:: ?, ?

b. Benedict:: Martin:: ?

c. Jeremy:: ?, ? ::Rosalie

d. ?:: Colin:: Sarah

79. In an apocryphal tale, Watson patiently and quietly accepts Sherlock Holmes’s error as to the doctor’s  background as Holmes describes a letter Watson has received. Watson reports Sherlock Holmes saying to him, “This I gathered from the use of the word ‘Doctor’ upon the address, to which, as a Bachelor of Medicine, you have no legal claim.”  Which word in Holmes’s statement is false?

80. Holmes, after some gentle searching near the light, found the hiding place for a short shotgun. Where was the hiding place?

81. While Watson did not exactly call it an alternative, he chose this public version over a home version. What?

82. According to Sherlock Holmes, a little talk about this produces the desired appearance of mental disturbance.  A little talk about what?

83. Bow windows are mentioned as existing in four different places in the Canon; what four places?

4 points

a.

b.

c.

d.

84. While it rained frequently in London, only four persons in the Canon had an umbrella. Who were they? 4 points

a.

b.

c.

d.

85. Who were the two men in the Canon whose blood ‘boiled”?

a.

b.

86. Holmes offered a cigar and was sunk in deep thought at which railway station?

87. Her husband was an elected official in a town by the Cotswolds that houses the tomb of a king. Who was she?

88. Sherlock Holmes paid each of these six men a half-sovereign. Who were they? 6 points

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

89. Which author did Holmes say was always tersely cogent?

90. Sherlock Holmes studied the ashes of various tobaccos and smoked several cigarettes and pipes while contemplating his cases. To whom did Holmes offer a cigarette? 2 points

a.

b.

91. This newspaper reported a mid-May death. What was the paper?

92. While Holmes re-read a letter in October, Watson’s thoughts turned to a sandless beach in Southern England. What was the name of the beach?

93. Sherlock Holmes played the violin well and played it to take his mind off of bad weather. Who else was known to have played a violin in the Canon?

94. Two medical men in the Canon wore tennis shoes. Who were they? 2 points

a.

b.

95. Who was the unhappy, single, professional man who rang the bell at 221B?

96. Two men wore spats when they asked Sherlock Holmes for help. Who were they? 2 points

a.

b.

97. Arthur Conan Doyle was extremely athletic; swimming, playing golf, cricket, football (soccer), hockey and baseball. In what sporting activities did Sherlock Holmes participate?

2 points

a.

b.

98. Holmes described this man as having a heart of metamorphic rock. Who was he?

99. Two different items in two different stories the Canon cost the same price. Both were part of a set. What was the price?

100. In reference to q. 99, what were the different items and what were the two stories?

4 points

a.

b.

BONUS QUESTION

Sherlock Holmes relied on Dr. John Watson to help him with his cases. Can you decipher this story to find a hidden, well-known phrase that demonstrates Holmes’s reliance on Watson?  15  points

It was another cold, rainy morning where Holmes was looking at the agony column of the Daily Mail. Remnants of supper remained where Mrs. Hudson had placed them the night before. Seated in his chair was Dr. Watson who was warming his cold feet in the toasty fire that Hudson had just prepared. Outside, a man closed his umbrella and approached 221B Baker Street to ring the bell.

Holmes called to Mrs. Hudson, “We have a visitor. Stop what you are doing and let him in. Please tell Billy to open the door so that my friend Watson can help bring an end to this poor man’s suffering.

Looking worried, a stranger entered but Holmes laughed. “You need not worry because Watson’s here.”

As the man looked nervously around the room, Holmes noticed that Dr. Watson had taken out his revolver. Holmes reached for his pipe, inserted fresh tobacco from a Persian slipper that he had refilled from the previous day’s problem solving that involved members of Royal families from two different European nations.

“Don’t worry, old boy. My dear friend Is apprehensive. His sixth sense has caused him to expect that you are here with some problem that could bring serious danger to our home. I perceive he is incorrect.”

“One can never be too cautious.”

“Tell us what brings you. Elucidate your problem. I can see that no one has been able to help. Let us bring an end to your dilemma.”

The stranger’s face relaxed and a twinkle formed in his old eyes.

”This is what happened.”

He carefully explained his situation and then, Watson interrupted, “I solved it, Holmes!” Nothing gets past Dr. Watson.

“Great!,” Holmes said, and the man left happily.

An occasional feature of published pages about John Watson

Watson’s obsession with protecting me manifested itself through his creation of an elaborate constructive mythology of my life. In his extensive writings, which are quite simplistic regarding my methods, but quite accurate regarding the general details of the cases, he always sought to disguise locations, obscure dates, alter names and re-direct the reader’s attention to places and circumstances at great distances from my actual location, all designed–in his mind–to assure my safety from the latent powers of the tentacles Moriarty.

A case in point: Watson’s imaginary Great Hiatus placing me in exotic locales, wandering throughout Asia, disguised as one ‘Sigerson’ when, in fact, I was safely incognito at Maiden Wood…The corpus of writing that Watson produced over the years, taken as whole, is remarkable for this constant protective turn of the narrative.

From The Biography and Autobiography of Sherlock Holmes by Don Libey, Campbell & Lewis, 2013, pp. 165-166

An occasional feature about the places in the John H Watson canon

I think I stood stunned for some moments. Then I have a confused recollection of snatching at a paper, of the remonstrance of the man, whom I had not paid, and, finally, of standing in the doorway of a chemist’s shop while I turned up the fateful paragraph. This was how it ran: We learn with regret that Mr Sherlock Holmes, the well-known private detective, was the victim this morning of a murderous assault which has left him in a precarious position.  There are no exact details to hand, but the event seems to have occurred about twelve o’clock in Regent Street, outside the Café Royal.  The attack was made by two men armed with sticks, and Mr Holmes was beaten about the head and body, receiving injuries which the doctors describe as most serious.  He was carried to Charing Cross Hospital, and afterwards insisted upon being taken to his rooms in Baker Street.

‘The Adventure of the Illustrious Client’

Cafe Royal opened at 68 Regent Street in 1865, staying at the same premises right through until it closed down in 2008, serving royalty and celebrities throughout this period. For four years, the property was redeveloped, and the Hotel Cafe Royal now sits on the spot. —londonist.com/2016/04/12-secrets-of-regent-street

Named after the Prince Regent, the street was built in 1819 under the direction of architect John Nash and its Grade II listed facades represent some of the most distinguished architecture in London. When built, Regent Street was the original purpose-built shopping street for the capital. —regentstreetonline.com

This [224–244 Regent Street] was once the site of The Argyll Rooms, a popular entertainment venue owned by the London Philharmonic Society and used for various concerts, public performances and other exhibitions…During a show on 26 December 1832, a young lady was taken home by her friends after appearing to have some kind of fit. The case was recounted in John Ingram’s 1897 book Haunted Homes and Family Traditions of Great Britain, quoting from the diary of Thomas Raikes, who knew the girl. After the young lady got home, she found it difficult to talk, until eventually she told her companions that she had been seized by the vision of a naked male corpse, with its face partly covered by a cloth, though she recognised the corpse of a man she knew. Her friends reassured her that he was okay. The next day, news came through that he in fact had drowned in Southampton after his boat capsized and the body found tangled up in a ‘boat cloak’. —spookyisles.com/soho-haunted-london-ghosts

By the turn of the century Regent Street had enjoyed 80 years as the ‘centre of fashion.’ It was mainly dependent on the custom of society, and out of season it was often almost deserted. But by 1900 a change could be discerned in the nature of the of the Regent Street customer, partly due to a shift in the relative wealth of the aristocracy and middle classes. —The London Encyclopaedia, Edited by Ben Weinreb and Christopher Hibbert, p. 642, Adler & Adler Publishers, Inc., 1986

This Saturday, the bull pups and friends will finally be gathering again to discuss our old friend John H. Watson and those who came after him — his literal heirs! Who in his life might have gathered for the reading of the will? Who took something of Watson with them when he was gone, either in a tin box or their DNA? The matter needs discussed, and we shall certainly do it this Saturday. (And probably record something of it for the society’s podcast.) And who knows where else the conversation might ramble, as always!

Saturday, August 28 at 10 AM PDT, 11 AM MDT, 12 Noon CDT, 1 PM EDT, 6 PM BST, 7 PM CEST, etc. is the time, Zoom is the place. If you need the Zoom invitation, please send a request to podcast@johnhwatsonsociety.com and we’ll get you the link.

An occasional feature of published pages about John Watson

“I sometimes think it a mercy that poor Violet is in her grave,” I overheard one of the maiden aunts say to the other after I had announced my decision [to go to sea rather than open a medical practice], which had had the effect of casting a heavy cloak of gloom over my grandparents’ household. “One son a scoundrel; the other an ingrate.”

“I told you there was bad blood in him, the first time she brought him to our hotel in Stranraer,” Her sister answered. “It’s him they got it from, not poor Violet.”

“I must say I am surprised at John, though. I believed him to be the steady one.”

“Still waters run deep, you know. The next thing we shall hear, he will be paying attention to women.”

—From The Private Life of Doctor Watson, Being the Personal Reminiscences of John H. Watson, MD by Michael Hardwick, E.P. Dutton, Inc., 1983, p. 208

     

Getting a late start on the Treasure Hunt? That’s okay, we did, too. That’s why you have until September 5th to submit it!

Please send your answers to this year’s Treasure Hunt Master, Richard Krisciunas, JHWS “Hector” at  treasurehunt@johnhwatsonsociety.com.

Team/Individual Name(s):

Primary Contact if for a team:

Primary Contact email:

2021 JOHN H. WATSON TREASURE HUNT

1 point for every correct answer unless otherwise specified.

PART 1: WATSONIAN WORLD OLIO

1. How many wives did John Watson have? Name them all alphabetically.

2. What is a far Eastern intestinal inflammation caused by Salmonella?

3. What is an Augean stable for couch potatoes? 

4. Who was thin as a narrow piece of wood and brown as a nut?

5. Bozo would have been proud of whom for being the glue?

6. The most famous “Angel” in the Canon, Hosmer, didn’t really exist. Can you name five others who were real? 5 points

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

7. Name eight Canon kings without royal blood. 8 points

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

g.

h.

8. What was Nigel Bruce’s middle name? 

9. What was Basil Rathbone’s middle name?

10. Dr. Watson frequently dispensed his favorite medicine, brandy. What other two medicines did he consider? 2 points

a.

b.

11. Which person in the Canon had been jollified?

12. What was found near a fictitious river near Xiamen?

13. Name three who were, initially, sentenced to death but spared? 3 points

a.

b.

c.

14. The official colors of the Baker Street Irregulars were chosen by Christopher Morley based on what item and which colors?  

a.

b.

15. Who was the combined age of: when one became master of the house plus the number of crew on a ship lost at sea?   3 points

 16. Two men played chess together in Lewisham 29 years before their almost namesakes met again in what Sherlockian story?

17. In reference to q. 16, what were the chess players’ names in the story? 2 points

a.

b.

18. He met his Maker while standing but no bullet was fired. Name the story.

19. In reference to q. 18, who died?

20. He hired a one-legged man to help him manage his blues. Name the boss, the man and the story. 3 points

a.

b.

c.

21. Watson thought Holmes could have rivaled which actor?

22. This poet’s Shakespearean pastiche was one of a kind. Who was the author and what was the title? 2 points

a.

b.

23.Two Scotland Yard inspectors used a term to compare a man and a woman with young, rowdy people who cause damage. What was the term?

24. In reference to q. 23, who were the two inspectors?  2 points

a.

b.

25. In reference to q. 23, who was the man?

26. In reference to q. 23,  who was the woman? 

27. [The sum of the numbers of two unused upper circle tickets] – [The house number of the address where the wife with aroused suspicions exited the cab] + [The number of minutes in a first-class carriage ride to Birmingham]  ÷  2/3 = [What Canonical plant]? 4 points

28. There was confusion caused by two individuals in a story having the same initials. Name the three pairs and the three stories where this confusion occurred. 6 Points (2 points each)

a.

b.

c.

29. How many places could Holmes go to disguise himself?

30. Sherlock Holmes allergy to cats affects his ability to solve a case in a short story by what famous writer? 

31. According to one canonical Mister, this person was more of an expert than Holmes. Who was the person?

32. Which military fencing champion portrayed Sherlock Holmes in the movies?

33. One was short-sighted, another naturally blind, the third missed a train. Two died and one survived. What did the three have in common? 

34. In reference to q. 33, who were the three persons? 3 points

a.

b.

c.

35. Who was the man from Gdansk who Holmes showed how it really happened?

36. Who was the first voice to speak after host Brad Keefauver on the first episode of the Watsonian Weekly podcast?

37. In reference to q. 36, what topic did the person discuss?

38. Who composed the theme song for the Watsonian Weekly podcast? 

39. Two characters had the same surname; one a future bridegroom, one a lawbreaker. Who were they? 2 points

a.

b.

40. Which woman did Holmes compare to a chicken? 

Part 2: LONDON NEWSPAPERS

Name the Daily newspaper and the story in which the item mentioned appeared:

2 points for each correct pair of answers

41. This newspaper labeled the crime as a political one.

42. This newspaper’s advertisement sheet was thrown aside by Sherlock Holmes.

43. This newspaper was picked up by Mycroft Holmes.

44. This newspaper was removed from Holmes’ knee by the accused murderer.  

45. This newspaper reported a murder discovery made by the Parisian police.

46. This newspaper labeled one officer in charge as the smartest detective.

47. This newspaper reported a lady’s distress on a bus.

48. This newspaper was visited by Holmes and Watson at the end of a busy day.

49. This newspaper’s editor was beaten.

Part 3: UNTOLD STORIES

Sherlockians and pastiche writers love speculating about the untold adventures discussed by Dr. John H. Watson. Name the title of the untold adventure and the story in which it appeared.  2 points for each correct pair of answers

50. Petroselinum crispum

51. Costermonger pushcart 

52. Don’t judge a book by its cover

53. Wind up  

54. Umbrella 

55. Dentures 

56. Toothless 

57. Fake 

58. Peerless 

59. Plague

60. Understood by one

61. Female but not a woman 

 62. Powderless 

Part 4: HOUSEKEEPERS IN THE CANON

Identify the housekeeper by the clue.

63. She didn’t notice the scratch.

64. She slept through the night and heard nothing.

65. She didn’t hesitate to let them in.

66. She was mistakenly arrested.

67. She was hard of hearing.

68. She was old but respectable.

69. She found the fingerprint.

70. She had a black cat.

Part 5: WATSONIAN WORD OLIO CONTINUED

71. An electrician, a solicitor, a marine, a second son and a cashier walk into a bar in London, what do they all have in common?

72. In reference to q. 71, name with whom?  5 points

a. Electrician/

b. Solicitor/

c. Marine/

d. Second son/

e. Cashier/

73. Dr. John H. Watson mentioned two people who he knew in Afghanistan. Who were they? 2 points

a.

b.

74. He once made the beer, and he was responsible for the introduction. Who, who and who? 3 points

a.

b.

c.

75. More than likely it was this ten-year-old best-selling text Watson laid aside when he lost interest due to the weather. What text? Which author?

76. John H. Watson’s literary agent was quite taken with this person’s Holmes-like power of disguise when the person was acting like Holmes. Who?

77. This Madame appeared in the world of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson almost 30 times. Who?

78.  Supply the missing names.  6 points.

a. Douglas:: Nigel:: ?, ?

b. Benedict:: Martin:: ?

c. Jeremy:: ?, ? ::Rosalie

d. ?:: Colin:: Sarah

79. In an apocryphal tale, Watson patiently and quietly accepts Sherlock Holmes’s error as to the doctor’s  background as Holmes describes a letter Watson has received. Watson reports Sherlock Holmes saying to him, “This I gathered from the use of the word ‘Doctor’ upon the address, to which, as a Bachelor of Medicine, you have no legal claim.”  Which word in Holmes’s statement is false?

80. Holmes, after some gentle searching near the light, found the hiding place for a short shotgun. Where was the hiding place?

81. While Watson did not exactly call it an alternative, he chose this public version over a home version. What?

82. According to Sherlock Holmes, a little talk about this produces the desired appearance of mental disturbance.  A little talk about what?

83. Bow windows are mentioned as existing in four different places in the Canon; what four places?

4 points

a.

b.

c.

d.

84. While it rained frequently in London, only four persons in the Canon had an umbrella. Who were they? 4 points

a.

b.

c.

d.

85. Who were the two men in the Canon whose blood ‘boiled”?

a.

b.

86. Holmes offered a cigar and was sunk in deep thought at which railway station?

87. Her husband was an elected official in a town by the Cotswolds that houses the tomb of a king. Who was she?

88. Sherlock Holmes paid each of these six men a half-sovereign. Who were they? 6 points

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

89. Which author did Holmes say was always tersely cogent?

90. Sherlock Holmes studied the ashes of various tobaccos and smoked several cigarettes and pipes while contemplating his cases. To whom did Holmes offer a cigarette? 2 points

a.

b.

91. This newspaper reported a mid-May death. What was the paper?

92. While Holmes re-read a letter in October, Watson’s thoughts turned to a sandless beach in Southern England. What was the name of the beach?

93. Sherlock Holmes played the violin well and played it to take his mind off of bad weather. Who else was known to have played a violin in the Canon?

94. Two medical men in the Canon wore tennis shoes. Who were they? 2 points

a.

b.

95. Who was the unhappy, single, professional man who rang the bell at 221B?

96. Two men wore spats when they asked Sherlock Holmes for help. Who were they? 2 points

a.

b.

97. Arthur Conan Doyle was extremely athletic; swimming, playing golf, cricket, football (soccer), hockey and baseball. In what sporting activities did Sherlock Holmes participate?

2 points

a.

b.

98. Holmes described this man as having a heart of metamorphic rock. Who was he?

99. Two different items in two different stories the Canon cost the same price. Both were part of a set. What was the price?

100. In reference to q. 99, what were the different items and what were the two stories?

4 points

a.

b.

BONUS QUESTION

Sherlock Holmes relied on Dr. John Watson to help him with his cases. Can you decipher this story to find a hidden, well-known phrase that demonstrates Holmes’s reliance on Watson?  15  points

It was another cold, rainy morning where Holmes was looking at the agony column of the Daily Mail. Remnants of supper remained where Mrs. Hudson had placed them the night before. Seated in his chair was Dr. Watson who was warming his cold feet in the toasty fire that Hudson had just prepared. Outside, a man closed his umbrella and approached 221B Baker Street to ring the bell.

Holmes called to Mrs. Hudson, “We have a visitor. Stop what you are doing and let him in. Please tell Billy to open the door so that my friend Watson can help bring an end to this poor man’s suffering.

Looking worried, a stranger entered but Holmes laughed. “You need not worry because Watson’s here.”

As the man looked nervously around the room, Holmes noticed that Dr. Watson had taken out his revolver. Holmes reached for his pipe, inserted fresh tobacco from a Persian slipper that he had refilled from the previous day’s problem solving that involved members of Royal families from two different European nations.

“Don’t worry, old boy. My dear friend Is apprehensive. His sixth sense has caused him to expect that you are here with some problem that could bring serious danger to our home. I perceive he is incorrect.”

“One can never be too cautious.”

“Tell us what brings you. Elucidate your problem. I can see that no one has been able to help. Let us bring an end to your dilemma.”

The stranger’s face relaxed and a twinkle formed in his old eyes.

”This is what happened.”

He carefully explained his situation and then, Watson interrupted, “I solved it, Holmes!” Nothing gets past Dr. Watson.

“Great!,” Holmes said, and the man left happily.

Born August 17, 1914, Holmes portrayed Doctor Watson alongside John Stanley from 1947-1948. However, he was credited as George Spelvin to avoid any confusion that might arise from his last name.

We’re just a couple of weeks out from our next Zoom meeting of the John H. Watson Society, and what do we have planned? Well, there was a suggestion of Watson and sports, following a certain Olympic-minded ACD thread, but a more intriguing possibility came up: The potential or non-existent offspring of the good doctor!

So on Saturday, August 28, the Watsonians will gather at the usual time and open our minds to the possibilities with a 15-20 minute radio play entitled “The Will of Watson.” Following that, we shall discuss any and all potential threads of the Watson line. Whether it’s one wife or six, a wounded reproductive system or a healthy one, John H. Watson was surely survived by someone, and it’s time we figured out who.

If you would like to take a role in our little radio play, send off a note to podcast@johnhwatsonsociety.com . (Did I mention that it will most likely be recorded for The Watsonian Weekly, the closest thing we have to radio at present? It will be.)

With both additional bull pups and a full review of this weekends “Scintillation of Scions” event, the John H. Watson Society’s weekly podcast is firing on all cylinders this week, clocking in at a half-hour longer than normal. Don’t miss the fun, and find The Watsonian Weekly on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or right here from this link:

https://watsonianweekly.libsyn.com/august-9-2021-a-scintillation-of-watsoniana

And if you’re still puzzling over a certain question or two on the JHWS Treasure Hunt on our society’s favorite podcast — or if you want to just see how much things have (or haven’t) changed over three seasons — here’s a link to the very first episode:

https://watsonianweekly.libsyn.com/the-watsonian-weekly-for-monday-may-20-2019

Born August 8, 1888, Snowden appeared on many programs including The Burns and Allen Show and Leave It to Beaver, but we remember him for portraying Doctor Watson on The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes from 1949-1950.

Make sure you are referring to the 100 question set: https://wp.me/p5iDM7-37o

[Update: Please be certain you have the 100 question version below]

The first mystery of the 2021 Treasure Hunt is where the heck is it? Due to some miscommunication (or the interference of Moriarty, probably) it has been ready to go but never made it to the web. As a result, we will extend the deadline to September 5. Please send your answers to this year’s blameless Treasure Hunt Master, Richard Krisciunas, JHWS “Hector” at  treasurehunt@johnhwatsonsociety.com.

Team/Individual Name(s):

Primary Contact if for a team:

Primary Contact email:

2021 JOHN H. WATSON TREASURE HUNT

1 point for every correct answer unless otherwise specified.

PART 1: WATSONIAN WORLD OLIO

1. How many wives did John Watson have? Name them all alphabetically.

2. What is a far Eastern intestinal inflammation caused by Salmonella?

3. What is an Augean stable for couch potatoes? 

4. Who was thin as a narrow piece of wood and brown as a nut?

5. Bozo would have been proud of whom for being the glue?

6. The most famous “Angel” in the Canon, Hosmer, didn’t really exist. Can you name five others who were real? 5 points

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

7. Name eight Canon kings without royal blood. 8 points

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

g.

h.

8. What was Nigel Bruce’s middle name? 

9. What was Basil Rathbone’s middle name?

10. Dr. Watson frequently dispensed his favorite medicine, brandy. What other two medicines did he consider? 2 points

a.

b.

11. Which person in the Canon had been jollified?

12. What was found near a fictitious river near Xiamen?

13. Name three who were, initially, sentenced to death but spared? 3 points

a.

b.

c.

14. The official colors of the Baker Street Irregulars were chosen by Christopher Morley based on what item and which colors?  

a.

b.

15. Who was the combined age of: when one became master of the house plus the number of crew on a ship lost at sea?   3 points

 16. Two men played chess together in Lewisham 29 years before their almost namesakes met again in what Sherlockian story?

17. In reference to q. 16, what were the chess players’ names in the story? 2 points

a.

b.

18. He met his Maker while standing but no bullet was fired. Name the story.

19. In reference to q. 18, who died?

20. He hired a one-legged man to help him manage his blues. Name the boss, the man and the story. 3 points

a.

b.

c.

21. Watson thought Holmes could have rivaled which actor?

22. This poet’s Shakespearean pastiche was one of a kind. Who was the author and what was the title? 2 points

a.

b.

23.Two Scotland Yard inspectors used a term to compare a man and a woman with young, rowdy people who cause damage. What was the term?

24. In reference to q. 23, who were the two inspectors?  2 points

a.

b.

25. In reference to q. 23, who was the man?

26. In reference to q. 23,  who was the woman? 

27. [The sum of the numbers of two unused upper circle tickets] – [The house number of the address where the wife with aroused suspicions exited the cab] + [The number of minutes in a first-class carriage ride to Birmingham]  ÷  2/3 = [What Canonical plant]? 4 points

28. There was confusion caused by two individuals in a story having the same initials. Name the three pairs and the three stories where this confusion occurred. 6 Points (2 points each)

a.

b.

c.

29. How many places could Holmes go to disguise himself?

30. Sherlock Holmes allergy to cats affects his ability to solve a case in a short story by what famous writer? 

31. According to one canonical Mister, this person was more of an expert than Holmes. Who was the person?

32. Which military fencing champion portrayed Sherlock Holmes in the movies?

33. One was short-sighted, another naturally blind, the third missed a train. Two died and one survived. What did the three have in common? 

34. In reference to q. 33, who were the three persons? 3 points

a.

b.

c.

35. Who was the man from Gdansk who Holmes showed how it really happened?

36. Who was the first voice to speak after host Brad Keefauver on the first episode of the Watsonian Weekly podcast?

37. In reference to q. 36, what topic did the person discuss?

38. Who composed the theme song for the Watsonian Weekly podcast? 

39. Two characters had the same surname; one a future bridegroom, one a lawbreaker. Who were they? 2 points

a.

b.

40. Which woman did Holmes compare to a chicken? 

Part 2: LONDON NEWSPAPERS

Name the Daily newspaper and the story in which the item mentioned appeared:

2 points for each correct pair of answers

41. This newspaper labeled the crime as a political one.

42. This newspaper’s advertisement sheet was thrown aside by Sherlock Holmes.

43. This newspaper was picked up by Mycroft Holmes.

44. This newspaper was removed from Holmes’ knee by the accused murderer.  

45. This newspaper reported a murder discovery made by the Parisian police.

46. This newspaper labeled one officer in charge as the smartest detective.

47. This newspaper reported a lady’s distress on a bus.

48. This newspaper was visited by Holmes and Watson at the end of a busy day.

49. This newspaper’s editor was beaten.

Part 3: UNTOLD STORIES

Sherlockians and pastiche writers love speculating about the untold adventures discussed by Dr. John H. Watson. Name the title of the untold adventure and the story in which it appeared.  2 points for each correct pair of answers

50. Petroselinum crispum

51. Costermonger pushcart 

52. Don’t judge a book by its cover

53. Wind up  

54. Umbrella 

55. Dentures 

56. Toothless 

57. Fake 

58. Peerless 

59. Plague

60. Understood by one

61. Female but not a woman 

 62. Powderless 

Part 4: HOUSEKEEPERS IN THE CANON

Identify the housekeeper by the clue.

63. She didn’t notice the scratch.

64. She slept through the night and heard nothing.

65. She didn’t hesitate to let them in.

66. She was mistakenly arrested.

67. She was hard of hearing.

68. She was old but respectable.

69. She found the fingerprint.

70. She had a black cat.

Part 5: WATSONIAN WORD OLIO CONTINUED

71. An electrician, a solicitor, a marine, a second son and a cashier walk into a bar in London, what do they all have in common?

72. In reference to q. 71, name with whom?  5 points

a. Electrician/

b. Solicitor/

c. Marine/

d. Second son/

e. Cashier/

73. Dr. John H. Watson mentioned two people who he knew in Afghanistan. Who were they? 2 points

a.

b.

74. He once made the beer, and he was responsible for the introduction. Who, who and who? 3 points

a.

b.

c.

75. More than likely it was this ten-year-old best-selling text Watson laid aside when he lost interest due to the weather. What text? Which author?

76. John H. Watson’s literary agent was quite taken with this person’s Holmes-like power of disguise when the person was acting like Holmes. Who?

77. This Madame appeared in the world of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson almost 30 times. Who?

78.  Supply the missing names.  6 points.

a. Douglas:: Nigel:: ?, ?

b. Benedict:: Martin:: ?

c. Jeremy:: ?, ? ::Rosalie

d. ?:: Colin:: Sarah

79. In an apocryphal tale, Watson patiently and quietly accepts Sherlock Holmes’s error as to the doctor’s  background as Holmes describes a letter Watson has received. Watson reports Sherlock Holmes saying to him, “This I gathered from the use of the word ‘Doctor’ upon the address, to which, as a Bachelor of Medicine, you have no legal claim.”  Which word in Holmes’s statement is false?

80. Holmes, after some gentle searching near the light, found the hiding place for a short shotgun. Where was the hiding place?

81. While Watson did not exactly call it an alternative, he chose this public version over a home version. What?

82. According to Sherlock Holmes, a little talk about this produces the desired appearance of mental disturbance.  A little talk about what?

83. Bow windows are mentioned as existing in four different places in the Canon; what four places?

4 points

a.

b.

c.

d.

84. While it rained frequently in London, only four persons in the Canon had an umbrella. Who were they? 4 points

a.

b.

c.

d.

85. Who were the two men in the Canon whose blood ‘boiled”?

a.

b.

86. Holmes offered a cigar and was sunk in deep thought at which railway station?

87. Her husband was an elected official in a town by the Cotswolds that houses the tomb of a king. Who was she?

88. Sherlock Holmes paid each of these six men a half-sovereign. Who were they? 6 points

a.

b.

c.

d.

e.

f.

89. Which author did Holmes say was always tersely cogent?

90. Sherlock Holmes studied the ashes of various tobaccos and smoked several cigarettes and pipes while contemplating his cases. To whom did Holmes offer a cigarette? 2 points

a.

b.

91. This newspaper reported a mid-May death. What was the paper?

92. While Holmes re-read a letter in October, Watson’s thoughts turned to a sandless beach in Southern England. What was the name of the beach?

93. Sherlock Holmes played the violin well and played it to take his mind off of bad weather. Who else was known to have played a violin in the Canon?

94. Two medical men in the Canon wore tennis shoes. Who were they? 2 points

a.

b.

95. Who was the unhappy, single, professional man who rang the bell at 221B?

96. Two men wore spats when they asked Sherlock Holmes for help. Who were they? 2 points

a.

b.

97. Arthur Conan Doyle was extremely athletic; swimming, playing golf, cricket, football (soccer), hockey and baseball. In what sporting activities did Sherlock Holmes participate?

2 points

a.

b.

98. Holmes described this man as having a heart of metamorphic rock. Who was he?

99. Two different items in two different stories the Canon cost the same price. Both were part of a set. What was the price?

100. In reference to q. 99, what were the different items and what were the two stories?

4 points

a.

b.

BONUS QUESTION

Sherlock Holmes relied on Dr. John Watson to help him with his cases. Can you decipher this story to find a hidden, well-known phrase that demonstrates Holmes’s reliance on Watson?  15  points

It was another cold, rainy morning where Holmes was looking at the agony column of the Daily Mail. Remnants of supper remained where Mrs. Hudson had placed them the night before. Seated in his chair was Dr. Watson who was warming his cold feet in the toasty fire that Hudson had just prepared. Outside, a man closed his umbrella and approached 221B Baker Street to ring the bell.

Holmes called to Mrs. Hudson, “We have a visitor. Stop what you are doing and let him in. Please tell Billy to open the door so that my friend Watson can help bring an end to this poor man’s suffering.

Looking worried, a stranger entered but Holmes laughed. “You need not worry because Watson’s here.”

As the man looked nervously around the room, Holmes noticed that Dr. Watson had taken out his revolver. Holmes reached for his pipe, inserted fresh tobacco from a Persian slipper that he had refilled from the previous day’s problem solving that involved members of Royal families from two different European nations.

“Don’t worry, old boy. My dear friend Is apprehensive. His sixth sense has caused him to expect that you are here with some problem that could bring serious danger to our home. I perceive he is incorrect.”

“One can never be too cautious.”

“Tell us what brings you. Elucidate your problem. I can see that no one has been able to help. Let us bring an end to your dilemma.”

The stranger’s face relaxed and a twinkle formed in his old eyes.

”This is what happened.”

He carefully explained his situation and then, Watson interrupted, “I solved it, Holmes!” Nothing gets past Dr. Watson.

“Great!,” Holmes said, and the man left happily.

Born August 1, 1937, Hogg has appeared in many BBC productions including EastEnders, Bleak House, and Doctor Who.

Due to a family obligation of the usual host and the lack of a backup plan, the usual monthly Zoom won’t be happening for July. Hopefully we’ll be back to normal in August, but if you have any potential alternatives for fellow members of the society to gather, post them in the comments.

Born July 9, 1935, Williams was the husband of Dame Judi Dench. Williams portrayed Watson in every Canonical story for BBC Radio 4 between 1989 and 1998.