Category: News

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Weekly Forum: Watson as Partner in the Firm

Could we attempt the creation of a catalogue of the books and stories and concise summary of each of Doctor Watson’s positive influences, actions, and additions to the various cases?

Such a listing and capsule summary would assist in viewing in one list the good doctor’s overall contributions to the firm over the years.  Perhaps one Member might pick a book; another a second book; others individual cases, or collections such as The Case Book of Sherlock Holmes, or The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

With adequate participation by our esteemed Members, and with complete coverage, we would quite possibly have a thorough and unique review that could be completed as a blog-string paper for the journal

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Dan Andriacco “Dutch” has Kind Words for The Watsonian

Our valued Member and noted Sherlockian author, Dr Dan Andriacco “Dutch,” has reviewed the October issue of The Watsonian and offers some very kind words for our authors. Dan quotes the issue as 160 pages, rather than the 180 pages as readers will discover.  Btt, as Dan says, all pages are chock-full of great content on Watson and even a few on Holmes.

Dan has several new books–all very well-written and fascinating–in his Sebastian McCabe and Jeff Cody series.  Take a look at his always fun website:

http://www.bakerstreetbeat.blogspot.com/

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Weekly Forum: November 4, 2014

In NORW Dr Watson writes in the beginning of the story, ” . . . and I at his request sold my practice and returned to share the old quarters in Baker Street.”

Note, that Dr Watson uses the word “request.”  He might have said, invited, asked, suggested, intimated, or any other such word.  But, he wrote “request.”

Why would Holmes “request” Watson to return, and why would Holmes arrange to have Watson’s practice purchased and provide the money for the purchase himself?

What is going on here that we have not seen all these years?   This is very fertile ground for ploughing.

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Weekly Forum: October 21, 2014

Did Doctor Watson rejoin the British Army as a physician during World War I? What is the evidence and what are your surmises from knowing the life of the man?

Our Dr Bob Katz “Willow” wrote, in a BSJ article in 1992, that Watson spent World War I serving in the army performing pre-induction physicals. He would have been quite expert at identifying malingerers who were attempting to evade military service, as he had firsthand experience learning about malingering from Holmes, one of the first students of the subject (DYIN).

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Weekly Forum: October 14 2014

Mrs Watson (No, the Other One)

Mrs. J. Watson and son John (ca 1854)
Mrs. J. Watson and son John (ca 1854)

Very little has been written about Mrs Watson, John Watson’s mother. There is no Canonical evidence, but from the abundant evidence about her son, what can we say about Doctor Watson’s mom?

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Significant Comment on September 30 Weekly Forum

Melissa Anderson “Faith” has posted a significant comment on the Weekly Forum of September 30 concerning Doctor Watson and his military service. It is concise, well-stated, thoughtful and goes to the core of the Canon.  Well worth reading. Thank you, “Faith.”

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Weekly Forum: October 7, 2014

“A Case of Identity”


There is something “jewel-box-like” about IDEN and it may be one of Watson’s great triumphs of writing. It is almost wholly personal.

It has four distinct parts: 1) the philosophical discussion between Watson and Holmes; 2) the client’s characterization and statement of the case; 3) the interview with the miscreant, Windibank; and 4) the solution.

In the philosophical discussion in the first few pages, prior to the arrival of Mary Sutherland, Holmes and Watson have what Buttons interprets as one of their most interesting and revealing talks about their personal positions and beliefs.

In the middle sections, the “crime” is not actionable and James Windibank and his wife– Mary’s mother– who is an equally guilty partner in the deception, exit stage left with impunity.

But, in the end, what of Mary Sutherland who exits the case unconsidered, unfulfilled, and apparently unloved by anyone?  How does the philosophical discussion of Holmes and Watson–setting up the story–pertain to Mary?  Is Mary Sutherland already a sadder, but wiser, independent woman for her experience, or is she to be forever a woman wronged and dependent upon the kindness of others?

This is fertile ground, essentially unplowed by Watsonians and Sherlockians, and ready for a provocative and fascinating joint-article for The Watsonian.  Will you contribute?  We welcome your participation.

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“I shall communicate with you.” [NOBL]

The Society is always pleased to find new avenues of communication, and so is delighted to announce its entry into the world of social media. You can now find us on Facebook (hat tip to “Galahad”!) and on Twitter.

If you’ve reached this site for the first time from Facebook or Twitter, welcome! We’d love to have you join in our Weekly Forum, try puzzling out the answers to our weekly Quiz, check out our Publications, become a Member, or any combination of those. Make yourself comfortable, enjoy your stay, and come back soon!

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October 5th, 2014

“Chips” (who is having computer problems) sends along this Isaac Asimov treasure. It would be interesting to know who made the pen and ink change and whether it was originally as written, or as changed. Perhaps we have a detective who can assist.

3051154_orig

 

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Original William Gillette Silent Film Discovered

Article From our Member, Kumar Bhatia “Bobbie”

William Gillette’s original performance on film as Sherlock Holmes has been found. Kumar Bhatia “Bobbie” sends us this article from India.  Follow the link to the fascinating description of the film, the restoration, screenshots and the planned premier.

Copy and paste in your browser:

http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-29474334

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Weekly Forum: September 30, 2014

Doctor Watson joined the Army after medical school, and he is said to have re-joined the Army late in his career.  Why do you believe Watson chose to join the military as a physician? What objective (textual) and subjective (speculative) reasons exist?
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Beth Gallego “Selena” Named Associate Webmistress

The Society is delighted to announce the appointment of Beth Gallego “Selena” to the position of Associate Webmistress.  Beth is a self-described “Data Nerd” and experienced blogger who brings a great deal of talent and knowledge to this important function of the Society. 


“Selena” will also be taking on the job of developing a digital Index of all articles, papers, and miscellanea published in The Watsonian for future Sherlockian and Watsonian reference and research.

For far too long, the Society has operated with all of the access to the web and knowledge of the website building software known only to Buttons (a 71 year-old, high-risk cardiac Bingo Card waiting for an “I”).  Now, we will have reliable back-up, talent and skill  in maintaining the Society’s website going forward.  That IS a relief!

This is another in the steps to insure the Society is strengthened by the participation, talent and direction of numerous Members and not just Buttons alone. Of course, we always have other responsibilities to fill. so please feel free to step up and volunteer. 

Welcome “Selena” to your new position as Associate Webmistress, and Thank You! 

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Technical Note on Web Browser

Here at the good Doctor’s surgery, we have been testing Google Chrome as a web browser for the past month.  For many years we have used Microsoft’s Internet Explorer.

Our experience with Google Chrome is excellent. In every regard, the performance is superior to Explorer. And Chrome has an advertising blocker that works wonders in keeping pop-ups and other forms of unwanted advertising from appearing.

You can download it free from Google and with a little experimentation you can create the settings you want to use and learn about the navigation fairly quickly.

It seems to be a significantly better browser than Explorer, especially with the elimination of all the ads, and it is faster.

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Weekly Forum: 16 September 2014

A Final Comment

This Forum has produced a very interesting conversation which we will consider for a paper in the April 2015 issue of The Watsonian.

WE ARE REQUESTING all who have commented and others who wish to comment to post their final thoughts, conclusions, rebuttal, agreement, or alternative thoughts before we close out the Weekly Forum.  We will select a Lead Writer for the paper and wish to assure everyone who wishes to have their comments included has that opportunity.  Thank you ALL for a most fascinating discussion.

Nemesis

This week’s Weekly Forum asks the question: “Did Holmes invent Moriarty?”