Ep 19. How Sherlock Changed the World
- October 8, 2013
How Sherlock Changed the World, the 19th episode of the 2013 season of National Geographic Documentaries, examines how the popular fictional character Sherlock Holmes has influenced modern criminal investigation techniques.
The episode begins with the introduction of Sherlock Holmes and his creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It then goes on to discuss how Doyle, a doctor, was inspired by the methods of forensic science that he learned in medical school. He incorporated these methods into his stories, making his protagonist Sherlock Holmes one of the first fictional detectives to use scientific methods to solve crimes.
The show provides a historical perspective on how police investigations were conducted before Sherlock Holmes. It highlights the fact that evidence was often mishandled or overlooked, and that confessions obtained through force or torture were often the primary means of securing convictions. The show posits that the Sherlock Holmes stories were instrumental in changing this paradigm by showing the potential power of scientific investigation.
As the episode progresses, it delves deeper into how individual Sherlock Holmes stories have influenced specific forensic practices. For example, it highlights how the story "The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet" helped to standardize fingerprint identification in criminal investigations.
The episode also focuses on the rise of forensic science labs and how they have been shaped by Sherlock Holmes. It provides a look at the history of forensic science and the tools and technology that are used today. The show argues that Holmes' use of logic, observation, and deduction are still central to modern forensic science.
In addition to its discussion of criminal investigation techniques, the episode also explores the social impact of the Sherlock Holmes stories. It examines how the stories have influenced popular culture and have been adapted into numerous movies, TV shows, and other forms of media.
The show features interviews with several experts in the field of forensic science, including forensic scientists, police officers, and criminologists. It provides a detailed look at the techniques and technologies that are used in modern crime-solving, as well as their limitations.
Overall, How Sherlock Changed the World is a fascinating exploration of how a fictional character has had a profound impact on the field of criminal investigation. By highlighting the link between the Sherlock Holmes stories and modern forensic science, the episode offers a unique perspective on the history of criminal investigation and the role of popular culture in shaping it.
