Chapter 1 Summary

At the turn of the twentieth century, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson are roommates at 221B Baker Street, a rental residence in London. Holmes is the world's only consulting detective; over the years Dr. Watson has accompanied him on his investigations and written books about their adventures in crime.

Holmes is a genius of deductive reasoning. His mind is always logical and well organized. He never gives into the emotionality of a case. Dr. Watson is an "everyman" kind of person who tries to be as detached as his friend but never manages to disengage his emotions. They are perfect complementary characters.

Holmes has developed his habits of observation to an amazing degree. He can look at a person and deduce his profession and other things about his background by scrutinizing details of his clothes, face, and so forth. Holmes never guesses...