The Science of Sherlock Holmes
Subtitle: from Baskerville Hall to the Valley of Fear, the real forensics behind the great detective's greatest cases
By: E.J. Wagner.
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 2006
Place of publication: Hoboken, N.J., USA
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 244
ISBN-13: 9780471648796
Copyright date: 2006
Subjects: Forensic sciences -- History; Criminal investigation -- History; Holmes, Sherlock (Fictitious character)
Description: 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.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
US/CAN/UK
Table of contents: title: Dialogue with the dead; title: Beastly tales and black dogs; title: A fly in the ointment; title: Proving poison; title: Disguise and the detective; title: The crime scene by gaslight; title: A picture of guilt; title: Shots in the dark; title: Bad impressions; title: The real dirt; title: Notes from the devil; title: A voice in the blood; title: Myth, medicine, and murder.