Newton’s Dark Secrets: Brenda Denny

Isaac Newton was born in 17th century London and grew up in very turbulent times with civil war, the beheading of King Charles I, and the restoration under King Charles II. As a child he dealt his boiling anger towards his mother and step-father proceeding the death of his father. In school he was considered a highly intelligent student and buried himself in his work. He decided that focusing on the sciences would prevent falling into the traps of temptation. He took his studies to Cambridge where he focused his efforts on subjects such as calculus, physics, optics, “alchemy” or modern day chemistry, and mythology.

While Galileo discovered that all objects, no matter their mass, fall to the earth at the same rate, Newton was able to calculate the rate at which these objects fell known as gravity. One of his greatest works was called the Principia Mathematica that discussed the majority of his findings in mathematics. During his time at Cambridge, he was supposed to become a minister, however he ardently opposed doing so due to his blasphemous belief that the trinity was incorrect and that Jesus was not God’s equal. Interestingly enough for a man of science, he was very religious and believed that science and religion were inseparable.

Additionally, most of his work was not published until after his death because he could not deal with any kind of criticism. He believed that the people of his era were just unprepared for the information that he had found.

Newton’s Dark Secrets- Documentary

Newton has made important contributions to modern science and mathematics, particularly in the fields of physics and calculus, but Newton is missing some qualities that would qualify him as a scientist in our modern definition of the term. Newton’s alchemy did have elements of modern science and can be said to be a primitive version or beginning of modern chemistry. It was said that Newton pursued alchemy because it provided insight into the workings of nature, thus like a scientist Newton did experiemental research and exhibited the experiemental tradition of science present at the time in England. But the quality that Newton is lacking of a modern day scientist is that he didn’t publish his works or findings like scientist did. He also wasn’t open to criticism of his work and this is part of the discovery process in science. Newton didn’t like critics, or to expalin his works and findings. He wanted people to just accept his findings which isn’t done in the scientific field. Newton even took it so far as to withdraw from the international world of science and he stopped publishing his work. Newton also used coded language which made it difficult to decode ingredients in alchemy recipes and duplicate recipes/experiments. I think Newton did this to show or make people think he knew the secrets of alchemy, and he gave hints as to the secrets, but he never shared the knowledge either because he didn’t really know it or he was reluctant to share it. This can be seen with all of Newton’s discoveries. Newton didn’t publish his works until his archneimist Hooke died so that his findings would be fairly free from criticism. His publishing of his findings also came 40 years after he discovered them. Newton in some ways is similar to a modern scientist, mainly in the experimental tradition, but he is also different from the modern scientist because he is reluctant to share his findings. This documentary showed how some elements of science are constant, and other elements have changed, and will continue to change.

The Hound Of Baskervilles :: Traian Dragomir

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                Yet another captivating adventure, The Hound of Baskervilles, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle portrays Mr. Sherlock Holmes in probably his most famous case, which, of course, gives the name of the book. Nevertheless, this is not one of the detective’s ordinary cases. While most other mysteries involve only people, in The House of Baskervilles Mr. Holmes faces what seems to be a paranormal and inexplicable being capable of great evil.

                The story begins with Dr. Watson playing the role of detective when he tries to pull conclusions about Dr. Mortimer by examining his walking stick: “Well, Watson, what do you make of it?” (Doyle, 3-5). This opening in the story can only foreshadow events that will take place further in the rising action. Here, Mr. Holmes tries to train his friend in becoming somewhat closer to a detective. As the story develops, the case becomes in great part Mr. Watson’s responsibility (Doyle, 52).

                The stick turns out to have been forgotten by a gentleman by the name of James Mortimer who has come to see Sherlock Holmes about a puzzling murder of a certain Sir Charles Baskervilles. The case is laid out before Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson who, at first, are puzzled as well. In a note written by the deceased before he died, he warns his followers about a curse that has been put on his family several years back. At these words Sherlock Holmes, even though he appears interested, is filled with sarcasm (Doyle, 23) and refuses to look at the problem as having a supernatural tone.

Just as he has solved his previous cases, putting together fact after fact to get the bigger picture, he decides to find a reasonable explanation for this unfortunate occurrence. However, Dr. Mortimer persists that the way to the answer far exceeds Mr. Sherlock Holmes detective abilities. Furthermore, he mentions the accounts of the peasants that live on the moor about the murderous hound: “Since the tragedy, Mr. Holmes, there have come to my ears several incidents which are hardly to reconcile with the settled order of Nature.” (Doyle, 22).

As if looking for a friend or someone with whom he can share the same ideas, Sherlock Holmes subtly persuades Dr. Mortimer to reconcile his perspective: “And you, a trained man of science, believe it to be supernatural?” (Doyle, 23). In his question, Sherlock Holmes tries to make it seem as if believing in such a hound is naïve and non-professional. He wants to make Mortimer feel as if he wouldn’t be “a trained man of science” if he believed in this supernatural force. However, Dr. Mortimer is so affected by the discourse of these events that he decides to stay neutral as far as the cause of death is concerned: “I do not know what to believe,” he answers (Doyle, 23).

Since Sherlock Holmes is slightly taken aback because of Dr. Mortimer’s suppositions that the case is out of any detective’s league, he wants to get to the point and asks his visitor the purpose of this meeting. Dr. Mortimer wants advice from the detective on what to do upon Sir Henry Baskervilles’ arrival, who is next in line to inherit his uncle’s possessions.

Sherlock Holmes becomes very interested in this case and decides to examine it in detail so he sends Watson to accompany his clients back to the moor and report to him only facts. He does so because he wants to train Dr. Watson in observing only facts and not forming theories upon presumptions and guesses. This occurrence is confirmed when the identity of a mysterious man that lives on the moor is brought to light (Doyle, 122-3). Sherlock Holmes had been conducted the same investigation in parallel with Watson. He did so not because he did not trust his friend’s methods, but because he was concerned about his safety (Doyle, 125).

During his quest, Watson and Sir Henry conducted investigation on the eerie events that have happened upon the estate. What was important about their doings is that before they began anything they asked themselves what Mister Sherlock Holmes would’ve done in their shoes: “we should be able to shadow him, and see what it is that he is after. I wonder what your friend Holmes would do if he were here?” (Doyle, 85). This shows that Dr. Watson took the detective as reference and tried to conduct any investigation from Holmes’ point of view. Furthermore, Dr. Watson treats Mr. Holmes with respect and honors him for his methods and intellect.

When Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson finally meet on the moor, they combine their stories and agree on the same suspect, Mr. Stapleton, to be the cause of all this. The adventure follows with more action than deducing, typical to Sherlock Holmes. In the end, the supernatural being is unveiled as being and actual hound of mass proportions. Sherlock Holmes succeeds in killing it before it killed Sir Henry.

Hound of the Baskervilles Paper: Simone Gaulman (Firefox)

The Hound of the Baskervilles has to be one of Sir Conan Doyle’s best. Doyle, believed to have been a believer in the supernatural, is debating science versus supernatural in Hound of the Baskervilles. In this book, no longer is Holmes just dealing with a case that just involves facts and people. He is now dealing with the supernatural – or so it may seem. Holmes now has to prove that in any case, science and reasoning will prevail.

Hound of the Baskervilles starts off with the story of Hugo Baskerville of Devonshire and how he kidnapped and sexual assaulted a young woman. When she escaped from his home, he went to look for her in the moor and his colleagues found him killed by a black hound. All the locals of Devonshire are convinced that the Baskerville family is cursed and that the hound is a supernatural figure. Holmes is approached by Mr. Mortimer with this narrative. Mortimer tells him about the death of Sir Charles Baskerville and how many thought it was by the hound. The mystery was that there was not a scratch on Sir Charles and the only evidence was a hound-like footprint on the ground. At this point the case is very mysterious and may come across as supernatural.

We first see that Mr. Mortimer could be persuaded to view the case in a supernatural light when he first came to Holmes saying that “…I recognize myself as an unpractical man, and because I am suddenly confronted with a most serious and extraordinary problem (Doyle 9).” Mr. Mortimer again shows his belief in the superstition when he and Holmes were discussing the death of Sir Charles. He tells Holmes that “there is a realm in which the most acute and most experiences of detectives is helpless. (Doyle 22).” Although he did not say it directly, one can see how he does not turn down the supernatural idea all together and can conclude that he believes slightly in the superstition. He comes to Holmes because he is a “practical man of affairs” and he knows that Holmes would not be easily persuaded by the hound rumors and his assumption proved to be true. Once Mortimer had finished telling the story of Hugo Baskerville, Holmes yawns. He found it interesting “To a collector of fairy tales (Doyle 14).” However, when Mortimer brings up Sir Charles’ death Holmes becomes more interested. Again, just like in Signs of Four we see Holmes disregard for anything that is not factual.

Holmes realizes that Mortimer is becoming a believer in the supernatural when he states “I see that you have quite gone over to the supernaturalists (Doyle 23).” Holmes argues against Mortimer’s belief saying that “…you must admit that the footmark was material (Doyle 23).” His point was that if the dog was supernatural why was it leaving footprints? Holmes is determined to stick to science and reasoning.

Let’s not forget about Watson, who plays an important role in this story. Holmes sends him to accompany Sir Henry and acts as a guardian. Watons was also to report back with as much facts as possible. As the story progresses, we can see how Watson has been learning from Holmes. When he encounters Mr. Frankland, Watson acts like he is uninterested with the theories Frankland was telling him. Frankland, thinking that Watson assumes that he is wrong continues to tell Watson even more information so that he will believe him. It turned out that Frankland is a bit nosy and had seen a boy walking across the moor with a bundle. Frankland thought the boy was supplying the escaped convict Seldon. Watson uses this information to find the hut and in turn finds out that it had been Holmes’ refuge and that he had been in Devonshire all along.

Holmes explains his reason for why he wanted them separated: “Had I been with Sir Henry and you it is evident that my point of view would have been the same as yours and my presence would have warned our very formidable opponents to be on their guard. (Doyle 124).” By Holmes and Watson being apart, they could both get a different point of view without being influenced by the other. They then could come together and analyze their facts and use reasoning to figure out the mystery.

In the last chapter of the book, Holmes reveals how he had solved the mystery. He first tells Watson that he knew it was Stapleton all along. Once again he was able to put his observation and deduction skills at work. Like in Signs of Four Holmes had examined the paper that had the warning on it: “…when I examined the paper upon which the printed words were fastened I made a close inspection for the water-mark. In doing so I held it within a few inches of my eyes, and was conscious of a faint smell of the scent known as Jessamine. There are seventy-five perfumes, which is very necessary that the criminal expert should be able to distinguish from each other.”

From the scent he was able to figure out that the writer was a woman, and the only one who lived by Baskerville Manor besides Mrs. Barrymore was Mrs. Stapleton. He used his skills again when he noticed the painting in the Baskerville manor looked very similar to Mr. Stapleton: “My eyes have been trained to examine faces and not their trimmings (Doyle 139).” This shows just how observant Holmes truly is. He also realized that it was a real hound instead of a supernatural one when Sir Henry’s boot went missing. Stapleton slipped up by grabbing a brand new boot that would not have Sir Henry’s scent so that the hound could find him. “He then returned it and obtained another – a most instructive incident, since it proved conclusively to my mind that we are dealing with a real hound, as no other supposition could explain this anxiety to obtain an old boot and this indifference to a new one (Doyle 163).” Stapleton’s mistake made Holmes conclude that there was no “supernatural” hound.

In conclusion, Hound of the Baskervilles was a most interesting read. It was very different from the other short stories because Holmes, who favors science, had to go up against the supernatural which is something that he firmly just does not believe in. Throughout the book, science and the supernatural are being argued and at first glance one might have believed that the hound really is supernatural. However, once Holmes and Watson start using the “observation and deduction” reasoning together, we soon find that the mystery was never supernatural at all and that science prevailed once again.

The Hound of the Baskervilles Paper

 According to answers.com, the “Science” and “Superstition” has been described in this way:

Science is, “the observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena”. On the other hand, Superstition is, “An irrational belief that an object, action, or circumstance not logically related to a course of events influences its outcome.” It is true that every individual differs from each other in many aspects. The main aspect that gets examined by the materialistic people of today’s world is the point of view, perspective, beliefs, and the way of thinking of any individual. In many societies of the world, people are even divided based upon this criterion.  In the Doyle’s novel, The Hound of the Baskervilles, the readers encounters the notion between science and superstition and the different groups and individuals who opposes one idea or another.

                In this Novel, the two main characters are Sherlock Holmes and Watson. Sherlock Holmes as a detective strongly favors Science and refuses to believe any kind of supernatural phenomenon or belief. It is common for the people of England at that time to keep superstitious kind of beliefs. The Story starts setting out the scene between Dr. Watson and Holmes discussing over the left over stick by one of the unknown visitor. Holmes as usual is giving Watson his theories and always proving to him his egoistic nature.  There is no doubt that Holmes is proud of his professional skills. One example could be seen when Dr. Mortimer addresses him as a “second highest expert in Europe”(9). Mr. Holmes in reply with a change in tone asks him “who has the honor to be the first?”(9).From the following lines, the reader can easily conclude that Holmes is being defined as deeply perceptive observant.

Holmes was sitting with his back to me, and I had given him no sign of my occupation.

“How did you know what I was doing? I believe you have eyes in the back of your head.”

“I have, at least, a well-polished, silver-plated coffee-pot in front of me,” said he. (3)

Holmes examines the visitor’s stick and concludes some facts about Dr. Mortimer and describes him as, “amiable, unambitious, and absent-minded” (7) person. Dr. Mortimer presents a very strange case to Holmes which Holmes definitely rejects to believe. Mortimer describes the problem in this way,

The only other kinsman whom we have been able to trace was Rodger Baskerville, the youngest of the three brothers of whom poor Sir Charles was the elder. The second brother, who died young, is the father of this lad Henry. The third, Rodger, was the black sheep of the family. He came of the old masterful Baskerville strain, and was the very image, they tell me, of the family picture of old Hugo. He made England too hot to hold him, fled to Central America, and died there in 1876 of yellow fever. Henry is the last of the Baskervilles. (24)

He does not want to solve any case which do not have a scientific reasoning and of course, the cases which involves supernatural. Holmes stated to Mortimer, “There is a realm in which the most acute and most experienced of detectives is helpless.”(22) At first, the issue did not interest him at all and he considers it to be like a fairy tale. When Mortimer explains the case further and the death of Sir Charles, Holmes starts to gets interested and takes the case over.

                Mr. Mortimer further explains Holmes that there is a greater need to solve this case in order to protect Sir Henry from Baskervilles curse. To investigate further about this case and to carefully examine the place of crime, he sends off Mr. Watson with Mortimer to Baskervilles Hall. Dr. Watson is responsible for sending all the facts and clues he can get out of the place. In this way, the reader also gets a sense to consider some issues from Watson’s perspective. Watson did an excellent job of practicing the same skills as of Sherlock Holmes and he tells each and everything to Holmes. However, later in the story, it has been revealed that actually Mr. Holmes was also investigating the case with them.

                The death of Sir Charles has been investigated and Holmes finds that it is actually the result of heart attack.  Holmes suspects Stapleton to be the culprit. The supernatural in the story is shown as the hound. One description of it in the story is as under:

The words were hardly out of my mouth when we both saw him. Over the rocks, in the crevice of which the candle burned, there was thrust out an evil yellow face, a terrible animal face, all seamed and scored with vile passions. Foul with mire, with a bristling beard, and hung with matted hair, it might well have belonged to one of those old savages who dwelt in the burrows on the hillsides. The light beneath him was reflected in his small, cunning eyes which peered fiercely to right and left through the darkness like a crafty and savage animal who has heard the steps of the hunters. (97)

Holmes carefully examines the character of Stapleton and proposes that he is one of the pathetic adversaries, and a black hearted person. He is seen as jealous in the story. He is the one who is trying to scare the Baskervilles by sending Notes to Henry through his wife and then plans to kills Henry in order to get his place.

                Watson and Holmes did a great job of examining this case and finding out the actual culprit. The reader of The Hound of Baskervilles can easily see that the Holmes’s method did not really change.  His way of approaching the problem has been modified by the people. Even though, he is so much convinced to believe that there is some supernatural power behind all the murders, he still investigates the truth by himself.

The Hound of the Baskervilles: Blog Paper: Edited

            In the novel, The Hound of the Baskervilles, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Doyle examines the conflict between the supernatural and scientific reasoning. At the time that Doyle wrote The Hound of the Baskervilles there was an ongoing conflict in England that was revealed, which clearly influenced Doyle’s novel. Doyle believed that facts and scientific reasoning were superior to superstition; this is clearly seen in The Hound of the Baskervilles. When first reading the story you believe that the supernatural will conquer scientific fact, but as you get further along, you began to question, will scientific fact conquer in the end or will the supernatural be confirmed with the death of Sir Henry?

In The Hound of the Baskervilles, Dr. Mortimer goes to see Holmes after the passing of Sir Charles Baskerville. He claims that his main problem is whether or not to take Sir Hendry Baskerville back to Baskerville Hall.   Dr. Mortimer tells Holmes and Watson about the ‘Baskerville curse’ and how he believes Sir Charles death was more than just natural and has something to do with the ‘curse’.

There are many different opinions on how Sir Charles really died. The Baskerville curse is well known in Devonshire, so many of the residents of the moor believe Sir Charles’ death wasn’t an accident. But, by first glance of the place where Sir Charles died, it would be said that he died of natural causes. He seemed to have no scratches, bruises, and/or cuts on his body. But is that really what happened? Did something trigger his death? (Doyle, 28)

Dr. Mortimer arrives with a manuscript given to him by Sir Charles. The manuscript tells of everything related to the ‘Baskerville curse’ and how it is seen to have begun. In the last sentence of the manuscript: ” To that Providence, my sons, I hereby commend you, and I counsel you by the way of caution to forbear from crossing the moor in those dark hours when the powers of evil are exalted” (Doyle, 14) This is a warning to future Baskervilles from the writer of the manuscript. This can hereby be said that this warning, and the material contained within the manuscript, would be why Dr. Mortimer believes that Sir Charles’s death was caused by something super natural.

Furthermore, from here you can see how Dr. Mortimer, even though described by Holmes as being a “trained man of science”, constantly disagrees with Holmes on whether Sir Charles death was based on scientific fact or  by super natural means. Dr. Mortimer admits to having a belief that Sir Charles death was caused by super natural forces: “My motive for withholding it from the coroner’s inquiry is that a man of science shrinks from placing himself in the public position of seeming to endorse popular superstition” (Doyle, 17).  It is clearly seen that Dr. Mortimer believes that conveying any belief in the unexplained would only arise more doubt in the outside world. The conflict between Holmes and Dr. Mortimer on the subject of scientific reasoning versus the supernatural is again seen when Holmes takes a condescending tone towards Dr. Mortimer by saying that if the supernatural hound was in fact the work of the devil, it wouldn’t matter where a Baskerville was and the whole line of Baskervilles would have been long obsolete. (Doyle, 23)

When Watson goes back to Baskerville hall with Sir Henry to keep an eye on him, we are introduced to Stapleton. At first glance, Stapleton is seen as not believing in the hound story.  He believes that Sir Charles’s death was indeed natural. (Doyle, 82) His theory to how Sir Charles dies is that “His nerves were so worked up that the appearance of any dog might have had fatal effect upon this death.” Basically, stating that Sir Charles’s imagination caught up with him. (Doyle, 85)

Later in the story we find out that Stapleton is the real mastermind behind Sir Charles death, and it was indeed, scientific and not supernatural. Stapleton wanted to kill Sir Charles so he could inherit his fortune. (Doyle, 157) Stapleton had masterfully plotted out each detail of Sir Charles death and Sir Hendry’s downfall, for instance, when he tells the cab driver in London that his name is Mr. Sherlock Holmes. (Doyle, 64) Holmes explains this fact furthermore, by stating that Stapleton could hide the noises of his hound but he couldn’t hush its voice which is why the “cries which even in daylight were not pleasant to hear.” Holmes then continues to explain that “this paste in the tin is no doubt the luminous mixture with which the creature was daubed. It was suggested, of course, by the story of the family hell-hound and by the desire to frighten old Sir Charles to death” (Doyle, 157)

It could be said that “Doyle has Stapleton play the culprit to show that it was common in the Victorian age for people’s belief in superstition to interfere with the investigation of real crimes and for criminals to use this to their advantage.” (Wagner, 28-29)

Though out the novel, The Hound of the Baskervilles, Holmes’s scientific method is challenged by the supernatural. However, in the end, Holmes’s theory of scientific reasoning prevails. Evermore, your question, about what force will supersede the other is answered. Sir Charles’s real life human mastermind is found and Sir Henry continues to live in Baskerville hall.

       Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan. The Hound of the Baskervilles. New York, NY: Modern Library, 2002.

       Wagner, E.J. The Science of Sherlock Holmes. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2006.

The Hound of the Baskervilles

The Hound of the Baskervilles is often the work that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is most noted for because it is so unique compared to his other stories.  Most of Doyle’s other stories are not very Holmes to deduce and must simply follow the trail of breadcrumbs to the solution to the mystery.  This story presents a situation where Holmes finds himself in a maze of clues as well as having to decipher the truth from superstition.  To do this, Holmes must use his deductive method as well as Watson’s observational skills to solve the mystery of The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Of all of the people involved in this mystery, Watson and Holmes appear to be the only ones who don’t believe in the superstition of the enormous hound.  This becomes an obstacle for the detective and his assistant because every time they try to get information from someone regarding the case and mention the fact that they don’t believe in the superstition, the conversation immediately becomes an argument about whether the legend is true or not.  This contrast between the scientific explanations for events and the superstitions is also shown in the story geographically.  In the city, the scientific explanation is more logical and widely accepted.  In the moor, everyone believes the legend of the hound and may be more inclined to think that way because of the spooky atmosphere and the treachery of the marshes.  This atmosphere is in direct contrast with the security of well-lit streets and police that the city has to offer.

Holmes takes his deductions very seriously in order to prevent himself from making a mistake or an incorrect conclusion.  In preparation for his intense period of thinking he sends Watson away and requests a large amount of tobacco to be delivered to him.  The parts of the scientific method are clearly portrayed by the way that Holmes attempts to control every variable of his environment to ensure correct results.  Holmes asks Watson to leave to prevent distractions, smokes tobacco in order to relax as well as cloud up the room so that he can easily focus on his thoughts and his immediate surroundings rather than the room as a whole.  His care for these is shown when he asks Watson to shut the window because he believes “that a concentrated atmosphere helps a concentration of thought” (Doyle 28).  This is also the same reason that Holmes sends Watson to the moor because he can then relay his observations to Holmes, who can then use the evidence to draw the necessary conclusions without the distractions and nuances of the trip across England.

Holmes also has an interesting attitude towards Dr. Mortimer about the case.  Dr. Mortimer obviously believes in the curse of the hound, but still wants Holmes to investigate the death of Sir Charles Baskerville.  Holmes finds it ironic that the doctor tells him he can be of no help and yet asks him for his helps all in the same sentence.  It is at this point that Holmes begins to politely and subtly poke fun at the doctor’s beliefs, gently alerting him of flaws he may have in his thinking.  Doyle does this to show the weakness in Mortimer’s character because someone who operates as a physician for a living, where every medical practice has a scientific explanation for its effects on the body, so readily accepts the idea that a supernatural phenomenon is the answer to a murder mystery.  Holmes entirely discredits Mortimer and sends Watson along to get to the source of more relevant facts and details.

A second reason this story is so popular is because it allows Watson to travel on his own to the moor and play the part of Holmes for a portion of the book.  This is Watson’s time to shine, and he must use all of his skill and record every fact accurately so that Holmes has all of the information that he needs.  Later, during his adventures around the moor, he runs into Holmes.  At first he is upset that Holmes felt the need to make the trip himself, as if Watson wasn’t capable of doing this on his own.  Watson then relaxes when he realizes that Holmes had come so that they could both observe the facts and then later cross-examine their stories to see which pieces of information were most important.

The end of this story shows how following an advanced scientific method and deductive reasoning, you can use science to explain many things that seem to be supernatural phenomenon.

The Hound of the Baskervilles

During the last several hundred years, when asked to explain a strange phenomenon scientific and supernatural explanations have often gone in totally different directions. And because of this, scientific, and supernatural explanations have often been nonexistent in mystery stories.  But unlike other stories, Science and the supernatural come together and clash in an epic battle in the short story the hound of the Baskerville by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Within the story, Sherlock Holmes and his assistant Dr. Watson are confronted with the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville. The case has been brought to their attention by Dr. Mortimer and they must conclude if they are dealing with scientific facts or the supernatural.

In the Hound of the Baskervilles, Holmes begins by giving his usual demonstration by deducing facts about Doctor Mortimer, who had paid both of them a hasty visit the night before.   Upon his introduction to Holmes and Watson the next morning, Dr. Mortimer introduces the mystery surrounding Sir Charles death and supernatural aspect of the story. “I find that before the terrible event occurred several people had seen a creature upon the moor which corresponds with this Baskerville demon, and which could not possibly be any animal known to science. They all agreed that it was a huge creature, luminous, ghastly, and spectral. I have cross-examined these men, one of them a hard-headed countryman, one a farrier, and one a moorland farmer, who all tell the same story of this dreadful apparition, exactly corresponding to the hell-hound of the legend”(Doyle p- 22-23). Upon describing this event, Mortimer, asks Holmes “well? Do you not find it interesting?” (Doyle, p-14) and to this response Holmes responds by saying “to a collector of fairy tales.” (Doyle, p-14) This small outburst by Holmes reveals to the reader his interesting character. Holmes sarcastic response shows that he believes that the story is fable, which has a completely good scientific explanation behind these events. This small exchange between Dr. Mortimer and Holmes helps reveals’ Holmes’s dedication to the science of deduction, and it also shows that he will continue to believe in it even at great odds.

Dr. Mortimer, as Holmes would say is a “trained man of science,” but after the mysterious death of Sir Charles, he begins to second guess himself as he begins to believe the supernatural events. This is evident when Holmes asks Dr. Mortimer why he hesitated to reveal all of the facts about the case. To this Mortimer responded by saying “There is a realm in which the most acute and most experienced of detectives is helpless” (Doyle p-22). Along with that, Mortimer also says to Holmes “Since the tragedy, Mr. Holmes, there have come to my ears several incidents which are hard to reconcile with the settles order of nature” (Doyle p -22). Upon hearing this remark by Dr. Mortimer, Holmes again responds by saying “and you a trained man of science believe it to be super natural?”(Doyle p-23). This question by Holmes again brings into question if infarct supernatural events do exist, and Holmes’s bleak response signifies to the reader that he believes there to be some scientific reason behind this mystery instead of the supernatural.

Upon hearing all of the facts, Sherlock Holmes decides that Watson should go to the country side with Sir Charles Baskerville in order to ensure his safety. Before Watson leaves with Sir Henry, Holmes’s gives Watson one last bit of advice in which he tells him “ I will not bias your mind by suggesting theories or suspicions, Watson, I wish you to simple to report the facts in the fullest possible manner to me and you can leave me to do the theorizing” (Doyle p-53).  The keen and specific instructions given to Watson by Holmes’s reveals that Holmes finds the Baskerville case to be very interesting, and along with that Holmes believes that all of the mysteries surrounding the case could be explained through deduction.

During the middle of the case, the events of the story including the theories and hypothesis are told from Watson’s point of view. This different point of view reveals to the general audience as to the similarities and differences between Watson and Holmes, as Watson reveals remarks within his diary “Twice I have with my own ear heard the sound which resembled the distant baying of a hound. It is incredible, impossible, that it should really be outside the ordinary laws of nature. A spectral hound which leaves material footmarks and fills the air with its howling is surely not to be thought of. Stapleton may fall in such a superstition and Mortimer also; but if I have one quality upon earth it is common-sense and nothing will persuade me to believe in such a thing. … Holmes would not listen to such fancies, and I am his agent; But facts are facts, and I have twice heard this crying upon the moor” (Doyle, 148). From Watson’s theories thoughts within his diaries, it shows that unlike Holmes Watson is willing to consider the possibility of the super natural.

In the end as in all of the other detective stories, Holmes himself comes down to Baskerville in disguise in order to solve the mystery and find the real culprit. The Hound of the Baskerville is one of the greatest mystery story ever written. Within the story, Holmes and Watson are again able to solve the case by using solid evidence which finally put the legend of the Baskerville hound to rest.

Hound of the Baskerville

A deadly curse, a ghostly hound, and a monstrous killer- one can clearer see the struggle between supernatural and reality in The Hound of the Baskerville.  The story begins with Mortimer consulting Holmes about a local family curse that may have killed a noble man.  Of course, Holmes doesn’t buy any of Mortimer’s fictional stories, but he takes on the case in order to save Sir Henry’s life.  Holmes asks his trustee friend Watson to watch over Sir Henry (the client) to ensure his safety; instantly Watson is put in Holmes’ shoes.  He has to investigate and observe just like Holmes.   The local residents are well aware of the curse, and they are well to do whatever it takes to keep their local benefactor (Sir Henry) alive.  In the beginning of the story the supernatural era takes over, but will reality conquer in the end or well the paranormal curse be confirmed with the death of Sir Henry.

The story focuses on a conflict between science and the supernatural, or a clash between Sir Charles’ natural death and his supernatural death.  Everyone has the different opinion on how Sir Charles died.  By human eye one would say that Sir Charles died naturally.  He appeared not to have any scratches, bruises, or cuts on his body (28).  Although Sir Charles seem to have died from a natural death, the questions still remain how did he die, and what trigger his death. 

Holmes responds to the supernatural phenomenon in sarcastic tone. Holmes criticizes Mortimer for believing in such a tale. Afterward Holmes puts Mortimer’s story to the test; he questions why a supernatural force wouldn’t attack Sir Henry anywhere he went (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, 22-30).  Holmes’s uses that same method of investigation no matter the case; he tries to keep all his possibilities open when solving a case, yet when he verifies that the evidence is wrong he disowns the element like trash.  It isn’t until the end of the story that Homes starts to believe in the hound, but he never clearly states whether he believes the hound is a natural or paranormal force. 

Mortimer is a naturalist and a doctor.  It is Mortimer’s idea to go to Sherlock Holmes to ask for his assistants.  Mortimer’s method of investing Sir Charles’ death is base on three facts – the claw prints by Sir Charles’ body, his relationship with Sir Charles, and the tale of the Baskerville’s curse. Mortimer half heartedly believes in the curse; thus, he is criticized by Holmes for his beliefs. Mortimer is also very observant becuase he notice Sir Charles had been standing in the same spot for ten minutes, because Sir Charles’ cigar ashes fall twice, which is equivalent to about ten minutes(30).   Mortimer’s presence is troubled and a bit shaken up, but he does not present a scene of danger; to the readers Mortimer’s presence brings a subtle vibe.    He seems to be the static character in the story. 

Stapleton is a dynamic character; he is also a collector, and a neighbor of Sir Charles.   At the beginning of the story one is led to believe Stapleton doesn’t believe in the hound story. Stapleton uses what he knows about Sir Charles to form a hypothesis to his death.  He believes Sir Charles’ death was natural.  (82) Stapleton’s theory was Charles’ imagination got the best of him and led to his death. “His nerves were so worked up that the appearance of any dog might have had fatal effect upon his diseased heart” (85).  In the latter part of the story the reader is inform that Stapleton is the mastermind behind Sir Charles’ death.  Stapleton is a very clever and persuasive man; he ingeniously plotted out each point of Sir Charles and Henry downfall.  For instance when he stole Sir Henry’s shoes in order to give his hound a scent to trace (46), or when Stapleton told the cab driver that his name was Sherlock Holmes (64).  Stapleton’s presence seems weird, especially after he is enrage by Sir Henry’s flirtatious behavior towards his sister (105-106).   Stapleton seem to be a professional at the game of trickery; thankfully he couldn’t trick the night fog, and in result his life come tragic halt. 

                   The Baskerville curse (that was started by Hugo Baskerville when he kidnap and rape a young girl) is well known in Devonshire, so it was no surprise that many of the residents believe Sir Charles’ death wasn’t an accident. With such a great amount of suspension and thrill in one story, one can’t help but to doubt the scientific era and wonder off into the unnatural (paranormal) world.  It’s hard to believe that someone like Stapleton can be a hard core killer, and that a beast as large and horrifying as describe by Holmes can exist in ordinary world.  The end of the book shows how the science world (reality) will always dominate over the supernatural being.  The science world requires hypothesizes, experiments, and research to verify a case, but the paranormal world requires no explanations.   The scientific world is necessary in order to demonstrate that the fictional world is incorrect.   Where would the world be without the sciences of life? 

The Hound of the Baskersville By Victor Cruz

Supernatural and scientific reason have long been at odds with each other. Since the conflict between Aristotle and the Grecian myths concerning the origin of lightning to modern conflicts about the age of the Earth and evolution, they have battled for supremacy in the hearts and minds of the people. The Hound of the Baskervilles exemplifies this conflict, being at heart about the conflict between supernatural and reason. However it is strongly in the favor of scientific reason.

The Hound of the Baskervilles is a much different book from The Sign of Four. Instead of it being a straightforward “whodunit” tale, in which they portray a murder, and, through clues, task the reader with figuring out who it was, the story has the added possibility of it not being a person at all. This makes for a much more interesting story because it forces the reader to consider whether there is anyone to blame for the events or if the curse of the Baskerville is real. It is also interesting to note that the case was brought to Sherlock not because they wanted to know how Sir Charles died but rather to figure out what to do with his next of kin.

“I feel sure that if Sir Charles could have spoken with me before his death he would have against bringing this last of the old race, and the heir to great wealth, to that deadly place. And yet it cannot be denied that the prosperity of the whole poor, bleak country-side depends upon his presence… I fear lest I should be swayed too much by my own obvious interest in the matter, and that is why I bring the case before you and ask for your advice.” (Doyle 24)

Holmes doesn’t buy this story of the supernatural because everything in the mind of Sherlock Holmes has a logical, definite answer. In his line of work he cannot rely on supernatural or guess work; he must at all times work under the discipline of sound evidence based reason.  This is what separates him from the amateur scientists Dr. Mortimer and Stapleton.

            The characters Dr. Mortimer and Stapleton, due to the folly of their amateur scientific methods, are forced to fall back on supernatural despite their best wishes. This is evident in the following quote, “I find that before the terrible event occurred several people had seen a creature upon the moor which corresponds with this Baskerville demon, and which could not possibly be any animal known to science” (Doyle, 22). Because of this one feels there may be something to this curse and that if these scientists believe that there is no scientific explanation maybe there really isn’t. “There is a realm in which the most acute and most experienced of detectives is helpless” (Doyle, pg.22). They say this because they claim that the animal described by the three witnesses could not be any creature in nature, thus this must be supernatural even though they do not come right out and say it. They simply hint that this is what they believe, even after Holmes directly asks the question.  The reason they do not want to admit that there is a supernatural occurrence is because they truly think that there should be some logical explanation for what has happened but since they cannot figure out what that logical reason is they fall back on the idea that it is supernatural and cannot be explained by science.  They would have been embarrassed that they cannot explain what has happened logically and also afraid that admitting to believing in such occurrences would discredit them as scientists. 

            At the time The Hound of the Baskerville was written England was trying to reconnect with the mythical and majestic nature of their Roman roots. This was a time when English poets and authors were writing odes to the West Wind and cautionary tales about scientific excess. England was in the midst of an identity crisis. It was caught between a burgeoning industrial revolution and rising Romantic sentiment among the people. The setting symbolizes this:  The Bronze Age area of Devonshire represents the preternatural belief system of the ancient Romans in juxtaposition to Holmes’ native industrialized London, representing scientific thought and progress.  Yet it is only buildings of the Bronze Age that are in ruins, while industrial London is thriving. This clearly represents Doyle’s belief that the new logical, evidence based, scientific way of life is not only better but more alive. He is making a statement that the old ways, while still alive in some fashion and on the rise, are far inferior hence why they are in ruins. Sherlock Holmes is the personification of the Industrial Revolution, proving himself superior to the old ways of the Bronze Age personified by Dr. Mortimer and Stapleton and in the end Holmes is superior.

            While the ending to this story is absolute and one way of thinking obviously triumphs over the other, this argument continues even today. Even though this story doesn’t end debates between the supernatural and logic, it does accomplish a lot. Arthur Conan Doyle tasks the audience to bring logic and reasoning to all aspects of their lives. This is and will be important for all time for the future progress of mankind.