Arthur Conan Doyle

Perhaps, when a man has special knowledge and special powers like my own, it rather encourages him to seek a complex explanation when a simpler one is at hand.

"You know, Watson, I don't mind confessing to you that I have always had an idea that I would have made a highly efficient criminal."

Let us hear the suspicions. I will look after the proofs.

It is impossible as I state it, and therefore I must in some respect have stated it wrong.

One should always look for a possible alternative, and provide against it. It is the first rule of criminal investigation.

Dr Leslie Armstrong "I have heard your name, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and I am aware of your profession — one of which I by no means approve."Holmes "In that, Doctor, you will find yourself in agreement with every criminal in the country."

There can be no question, my dear Watson, of the value of exercise before breakfast.

"I am inclined to think -- " said I.

There is so much red tape in these matters.

It is a capital mistake to theorise in advance of the facts.

"We're not jealous of you down at Scotland Yard. No, sir, we are proud of you, and if you come down to-morrow there's not a man, from the oldest inspector to the youngest constable, who wouldn't be glad to shake you by the hand."

"For once you have fallen low. Let us see, in the future, how high you can rise."