... it is not really difficult to construct a series of inferences,
each dependent upon its predecessor and each simple in itself. If,
after doing so, one simply knocks out all the central inferences and
presents one's audience with the starting-point and the conclusion, one
may produce a startling, though possibly a meretricious, effect. Now
it was not really difficult, by an inspection of the groove between
your left forefinger and thumb, to feel sure that you did not propose
to invest your small capital in the gold fields ...
-- Sherlock Holmes in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Dancing Men"
each dependent upon its predecessor and each simple in itself. If,
after doing so, one simply knocks out all the central inferences and
presents one's audience with the starting-point and the conclusion, one
may produce a startling, though possibly a meretricious, effect. Now
it was not really difficult, by an inspection of the groove between
your left forefinger and thumb, to feel sure that you did not propose
to invest your small capital in the gold fields ...
-- Sherlock Holmes in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Dancing Men"
Related:
- It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data.
Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories... - I followed you."
"I saw no one."
"That is what you may expect to see when I follow you."
-
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, "Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's... - It's a great thing to start life with a small number of really good books
which are your very own.
Sir Arthur Conan... - You see but you do not observe.
-- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle,
in "The Memoirs of Sherlock... - Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes
genius.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, "Sherlock Holmes: The Valley... - The case has, in some respects, been not entirely devoid of interest.
Sherlock Holmes [Sir Arthur Conan... - Detection is, or ought to be, an exact science, and should be treated in
the same cold and unemotional manner.
You have attempted to tinge it with romanticism, which... - It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data.
Arthur Conan Doyle, english... - Jacques: First, you must get to know your lane. Feel the slickness,
feel the slippery finish. Caresses it, experience it...
