55-107 Ghost Map

In the next part of Ghost Map, the story begins to focus on a man named John Snow. Snow was a scientist that had made great improvements in the delivery and use of Chloroform and ether so that it could be safely administered to patients. He became interested in studying and trying to solve the cholera epidemic that was sweeping the Soho and broadstreet area in London. The current theory of what spread cholera was smell or some sort of airborne disease, but Snow didnt believe that was the case because of the way the disease seemed to be spreading and how it was confining itself to certain areas. I think its interesting however that Snow was able to pick up on water as the possible carrier of the disease. It would be interesting to know if that was his first hunch, or if he pursued a few other theories to the spread of cholera at the same time before he settled on the waterborne theory. It was fascinating to see Snows foresight and ability to piece together a huge amount of information on the micro level to the city wide level in helping to determine a theory and discover how cholera was assailing London.

1-55 Ghost Map

The first part of Ghost Map is spent setting up a mental image and trying to help the reader understand what it would be like to live in London in the 1850s.  London was the largest city in the world at the time and was a sort of experiment to see if millions of people could live in a confined area without imploding upon itself.  The cholera epidemic that struck London’s Soho region around the broad street pump was going to be a catastrophe that needed to be dealt with, even though nobody really new how to.  People started dieing in their homes from cholera and the disease spread at an alarming rate throughout the community.  It was particularly interesting when the book spoke of several people finding the actual cure for cholera but that they were overshadowed by other less scientific or effective “cures”.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Transformation scene

The image portrayed of Hyde is similar in both the novella and the movie.  Hyde is described as a short, ape-like beast, and the image portrayed in the mind from reading the story is accurately reflected by his appearance in the picture.  Comparing the process of transforming, it was different in the movie than I would have expected it from reading the story.  The movie made it seem like he was dieing and in extreme pain, and after it was over he was still in some sort of agony until he realized his chemical had worked.  The novella made me think that the transformation was less violent on Jekyll and that afterwards he felt great and full of life even though his new personality was evil.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Novel v Movie

The novel and the movie were pretty different in the way they portrayed the case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Compared to the book, there was no mystery for the audience about what was happening to Dr. Jekyll even though people in the movie did not know what was happening. I enjoyed the mystery presented in the novel version of the story. The Novel also made no mention of any women in while the movie introduced two. The romantic and lust element added to the movie helped to portray the differences between Jekyll and Hyde more so than the novel revealed in my opinion. It was very clear how split his personalities became when you could view them being acted out than reading people’s opinions in the novel. Overall I found the movie surprisingly enjoyable and even funny at times compared to the novel which was an interesting mystery, suspense story, but overall very dry.

World’s Fair

The most interesting things from the World’s Fair video was the Manufacturing and Liberal Arts building and the Ferris Wheel.  The Manufacturing and Liberal Arts building was the largest building every constructed at the time.  It could fit many large structures inside and contained so many shops, stalls, and displays that it could never be properly accounted for.  Trying to imagine the sheer scale of the building and the things you could find inside of it is mind boggling.  The Ferris Wheel was America’s answer to the Eiffel Tower constructed at the Paris World’s Fair and was a spectacular feat of engineering.  It was particularly fascinating just how much steel and effort it took to build the wheel and how many people it could carry at one time, which was roughly 2000 people.

Holmes Scientific Method

Overall, Sherlock Holmes followed a scientific method to solving cases.  He tried to take an objective, unbiased point of view in order to get into the minds and discover the motives of those involved.  He analyzed the details using his vast knowledge and expertise and conducted experiments to form and solidify his hypothesis concerning the case.  Despite the fact much of Holmes success relied upon skills that weren’t necessarily scientific in themselves, the knowledge and information he gained from these activities was used in a scientific way to answer his questions.  It was interesting to see how similar Holmes methods were to the way modern day forensics are carried out.  This simply gives more evidence that Holmes method was in fact scientific in the way he carried out his theories, formed hypothesis, and gathered evidence.

Year China Discovered America

This movie had a very interesting premise claiming China discovered America and the New world before Columbus did.  Menzies presented some interesting evidence to support his claim that Zheng He found the America’s but his claims seemed to rely a lot on inferring information that had abstract proof at best.  Most of his claims seemed exaggerated in order to fit into his theories.  His charts are a good example, because the movie spoke of him misinterpreting it, and that he manipulated the chart to make it seem as if it was from a Chinese perspective.  Every valid point Menzies brought up seemed to have an equally strong counterpoint that made his theory hard to believe, but still a thought provoking idea.

Sign of Four Draft

    Sometimes nothing can be more important to solving a case than the tiniest detail; Sherlock Holmes understood this. One of Holmes greatest assets to his detective skills was his ability to not skim over details. Also, he would try and determine the relevance of details to a person or case. An example is when Mary Morstan presented the case of her missing father to Holmes and spoke of the letter that she had received that day. Before anything else Holmes wanted to see the envelope the letter had arrived in to determine the post mark date, type, and quality of paper. (Doyle, 133) Another universal characteristic of Holmes method was the hypothesis he formed about the case and people involved. In The Sign of Four, Holmes is constantly re-evaluating the case as it becomes more complex and he acquires more evidence. When Thaddeus Sholto brings Holmes, Watson, and Miss Morstan to Pondicherry Lodge and discover his brother dead in his chambers, Holmes gains an entire new perspective on the case. After only a short time of investigation, Holmes is able to determine that Jonathan Smalls was involved in Bartholomew Sholto’s death, that he had a peg leg, and a small partner to assist him in stealing the treasure. (Doyle, 165) Holmes method also included many specialized talents and abilities that separated him from other detectives.
Sherlock Holmes was a very well educated man that was comfortable with science and research. Many of his skills that made him a great detective relied on his considerable knowledge in various fields of expertise. Sherlock Holmes published monographs on topics such as the differences in ashes from: cigarettes, pipes, and cigars; as well as shoe prints and the form of the hand that resulted from work in different professions. (Doyle, 126) With his specialized knowledge Holmes could analyze evidence and use that to create a profile of someone. This is something other detectives such as Athelney Jones were unable to do without his knowledge. Despite his considerable knowledge, Holmes did not know everything, and in order to reconcile this, he made use of databases to conduct research. In The Sign of Four Holmes is stumped by who Small’s peculiar partner could be, however; after consulting a gazetteer he determines that his “savage” associate must come from the Andaman Islands. (Doyle, 186) Despite this, scientific knowledge and research alone cannot determine every case, which Holmes knew.
On top of his research and detective skills, Holmes was quick witted, physically active, and a people person. One of his greatest assets was his ability to socialize and make friends with people in all walks of life. His social skills were highly developed and this often aided him greatly when solving a case. At Pondicherry Lodge, the gatekeeper was not going to let Watson and Holmes enter until he recognized Holmes from a boxing match. Near instantly he allowed them entry because of his fond memory of fighting Holmes. (Doyle, 152) Another great asset to Holmes when solving a case is his use of intelligence and information gathering. Early in the story, Holmes is able to tell exactly where he is located in London as they travel to Thaddeus Sholto’s home for the first time. This makes apparent that Holmes has an intimate knowledge of London, its regions, and its people. (Doyle, 140) Another technique was employing the Baker Street irregulars, a group of kids that ran wild in the streets, to locate the Aurora and Mr. Mordecai Smith. The Baker Street irregulars could go anywhere, see anything, and overhear anyone because they are often ignored by most people as wild kids. (Doyle, 184) Also, once the Aurora was found, Holmes proved that he was a master of disguise. Concealing himself as an old fisherman with a hacking cough, Holmes visited the place where the Aurora was beached and awaiting to be put back out on the river. This gave Holmes enough time to inform the police in order to set a trap for Smalls and the Aurora when they tried to make their escape. (Doyle, 195) These and many other practical skills greatly assisted Holmes in solving his cases.

Sign of Four Questions

-What is the impact of Jonathan Small’s narrative on your view of the case?  What is Holmes’ reaction to Small’s story?
When Johnathan Small gives his account on the story behind what Holmes and Watson have been uncovering, it puts the events in a different perspective.  Small reveals that Major Sholto had betrayed him and friends of Small’s by stealing the treasure they had claimed as their own.  It is not given to be an alibi, but provides a lot of the motive for why the crime’s had been committed.  Holme’s reaction is one of understanding, but he is also disgusted and appalled by some of the things done in India by Small and his companions over the treasure.  He does seem to enjoy however, having the gaps in the story filled in that he would not have been able to deduce from evidence.

-How are foreigners portrayed?  Discuss both Tonga and the Indians.   

The Day the world took Off.

The movie “The Day the World Took Off” analyzed many different scenarios and reasoning for why the industrial revolution occurred in Britain instead of other nations such as Holland, or the Ottaman Empire.  According to the film, there are many factors that need to be in place for a nation to industrialize.  Some of these include a somewhat free and open political system that supports new ideas and scientific innovation.  Also, factors such as a growing population, agricultural surplus, coal, and the theory of investment banking are necessary to spark an Industrial revolution.  The Ottaman Empire was unable to create an industrial revolution because of its oppressive political regime, and its location in the world.  The arid climate of the middle-east made it difficult for an agricultural surplus to fund scientific innovation.  Also, with European technological advances in ship building, their location as middle-men between China/India and Europe was cut out when Europeans found an alternate route to the East.  Holland was another likely country to spark an industrial revolution but they fell short in several places.  Holland was the most powerful merchant fleet for a long time and established many of the trade routes that were eventually taken over by other European powers.  Holland also had investment banking to help fund trade expeditions and establish colonies and trading posts.  Holland did not have a growing population, and eventually it ran out of steam due to prolonged wars and loss of life at sea.  Coal was also not found in Holland which has been speculated as necessary for the development of steam power.A financial depression from tulips also helped to weaken Holland economically which setback its empire building and stalled its advances towards Industrial revolution.  In the end, England was able to take over many of the trade routes from the Dutch.  England also supported the idea of investment banking and was able to fund large colonies, trading posts, a merchant fleet as well as a military armada to control its territories.  England had a growing population and access to coal which helped in the manufacturing of goods.  In the end, conditions in England were better than any other culture or empire before it and was able to spark an Industrial Revolution which spread throughout its colonies and around the world.