#12 Collected Reading July 10rd, 2011

Introduction : Sherlock Holmes and the design process

After reading a collection of  Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes short stories and novels,  I was struck by how much the process of detection has in common with the process of design. I have picked out some of the best quotes which illustrate these ideas.

1.The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier

“A confederate who foresees your conclusions and course of action is always dangerous, but one to whom each development comes as a perpetual surprise, and to whom the future is always a closed book, is indeed an ideal helpmate.”

Collaboration

Source :The Adventure of the Blanched Soldier

2.The Hound of the Baskervilles

“The detection of types is one of the most elementary branches of knowledge to the special expert in crime, though I confess that once when I was very young I confused the Leeds Mercury with the Western Morning News. But a Times leader is entirely distinctive, and these words could have been taken from nothing else.”

Typography

Source : The Hound of the Baskervilles


3. Silver Blaze 

“See the value of imagination,” said Holmes. “It is the one quality which Gregory lacks. We imagined what might have happened, acted upon the supposition, and find ourselves justified. Let us proceed.” 

Imagination, Hypothesis

Source : Silver Blaze

4. The Reigate Puzzle

“It is of the highest importance in the art of detection to be able to recognize, out of a number of facts, which are incidental and which vital. Otherwise your energy and attention must be dissipated instead of being concentrated.”

Curation

Source : The Reigate Puzzle

5. The Valley of Fear

“The temptation to form premature theories upon insufficient data is the bane of our profession.

Listening

Source : The Valley of Fear

Hope you like this collection. Please comment, share and most of all enjoy.

– Kaushik

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