Part 9

These arguments seem to prove convincingly that the male and not the female is the weaker sex. The problem, however, is not as simple as this, but space does not permit further critical treatment of the subject. In fairness to Dr. Watson, it must be stated that many of the facts just presented were not known when he wrote his entertaining but gruesome story about the devil’s-foot root.

_Mental Development in the Young_

We find, in _The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire_, an interesting and significant reference to mental development in the young. Holmes, speaking of a child, remarked in this story that the child probably had a very well-developed mind, because his body had been circumscribed in action. Obviously, a child who has a definite physical handicap cannot romp and play like other healthy, vigorous children. He is forced to find other outlets, and as a result probably reads a great deal, and is likely, moreover, to be thrown in with older people. As a consequence, his mind presumably is more precociously trained. There are many physically handicapped children, and this entire matter deserves more critical psychologic study than it has so far received.

_Curare and Physiology_

Dr. Watson was acquainted, at least to a degree, with the action of curare. Actually, he used it as a lethal agent in two of his tales: in his novel _A Study in Scarlet_, and in his story, _The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire_. In the former, he was careless of the way he handled curare in his plot, for he ascribed actions to this drug which it simply does not possess. But in the latter instance, he uses curare in a masterly manner. He points out, for example, that if a child were pricked with an arrow which had been dipped in a solution of curare, death might ensue by muscular paralysis if the curare were allowed to be absorbed. Incidentally, this story can be highly recommended not only to physiologists and pharmacologists but to all medical and biological students as well.

It is likely that Watson became familiar with curare in his work in the physiology laboratory, for about twenty years before he enrolled in medical school, Claude Bernard, the famous French physiologist, had published his studies on curare.

_Muscle Physiology_

Let us now consider references to muscle physiology. Both Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are portrayed as splendid athletes. In _The Hound of the Baskervilles_, Watson writes about their heroic efforts to save Sir Henry from the awesome hound. He states that he had never seen Holmes run as fast as he did that night. He remarks further that he (Watson) was reckoned fleet of foot, but Holmes easily outpaced him. In physiologic parlance, the muscles of Holmes and Watson presumably had short reflex times. Some men are born fast runners. The exact reason for this is not fully understood. Probably the entire neuromuscular apparatus, including the higher nervous centers, is implicated. Another factor is the mechanical advantage involved in the muscle-bone relationship. All these factors undoubtedly have to do with heredity. The entire picture is complicated. We do know, however, that training alone cannot produce champions.

In another instance, Holmes discusses with Watson the footprints found in the yew alley, which were presumably made by Sir Charles Baskerville. It looked as if he had walked on tiptoe for at least a part of the way. Watson asked why Sir Charles had walked on tiptoe. Holmes instantly replied: “He was running, Watson--running desperately, running for his life, running until he burst his heart and fell dead upon his face.”

On another occasion, Holmes described the gait of a man: “... he was running hard with occasional little springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to set any tax upon his legs” (_The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet_). On still another occasion, we find an interesting reference to muscle physiology--one which only recently has been scientifically demonstrated. In _The Man with a Twisted Lip_ Holmes makes this pregnant remark: “He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. Surely your medical experience will tell you, Watson, that weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional strength in the other.”

Muscle physiology is a highly specialized field. Considerable information is known about the chemical changes which take place during muscular contractions, but much more needs to be learned. One of the factors of supreme interest is the short period of time required for these complicated chemical and heat reactions. The problem is of more than academic interest, for it must be remembered that, in spite of all the modern machines at man’s disposal, the greater part of the work in this world is still done by muscular activity.

Any light thrown on the exact mechanism of muscle contraction may eventually prove to be of extreme practical benefit. It is indeed difficult to overemphasize this point. Finally, there are certain serious disorders of muscular functioning which may not only incapacitate individuals but actually cause their death. The distressing condition of patients suffering from muscular dystrophy is a poignant example. For this reason, if no other, a complete understanding of muscular contraction is of paramount importance.

Since the time when Dr. Watson studied physiology--eighty years ago--there have been vast developments in this field of science. There is hardly an area of scientific endeavor in which more research has been done or is in progress.

SHERLOCK HOLMES AND DOCTOR WATSON, PERENNIAL ATHLETES

“Sherlock Holmes was a man who seldom took exercise for exercise’s sake ... he looked upon aimless bodily exertion as a waste of energy.”

_The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet_

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson were unquestionably men of outstanding athletic ability. Holmes was a single-stick player, a boxer, and a swordsman (_A Study in Scarlet_). Watson had played rugby in college, and probably had engaged in other collegiate sports. They were strong men, quick of action and fleet of foot.

Quickness of action surely was needed to save Sir Henry Baskerville from the hound. It will be recalled that the fog from the Grimpen Mire that autumn night had spread over the path which Sir Henry was to follow from Stapleton’s house to Baskerville Hall. As a consequence, the visibility was so low that Sherlock Holmes and his companions could not see the hound until it was dangerously close to its intended victim. Watson describes the episode dramatically: “Never have I seen a man run as Holmes ran that night. I am reckoned fleet of foot, but he outpaced me as much as I outpaced the little professional” (_The Hound of the Baskervilles_). At any rate, we know that these determined men, led by Holmes, reached Sir Henry just in time and killed the hound before it could harm him.

Watson’s statement, “Never have I seen a man run as Holmes ran that night,” bespeaks high praise of Holmes as an exceptionally fast man. Watson, when a college student, had doubtless seen first-class trackmen perform, but nevertheless he distinctly implies that Holmes as a runner was in a class by himself. Holmes was making an effort to save a man’s life, but so were Watson and Lestrade, the Scotland Yard detective. Holmes, it is true, had the build of a trackman, since he was tall and lithe, whereas Watson had a decidedly burly physique, and Lestrade is described as rather short in stature. Watson, despite his stocky build, admits that he himself was a sprinter of parts, but he was obviously no match for Holmes.

Not only was Holmes a fast runner, but a skilled boxer as well. Watson writes: “He was undoubtedly one of the finest boxers of his weight I have seen ...” (_The Yellow Face_). A real compliment, for Watson was a keen sportsman who probably had had occasion to attend many boxing matches. Holmes was six feet tall--at least he so described himself (_The Adventure of the Three Students_). The suggestion has been made that he weighed about 11 stone (154 pounds) and had a physique resembling that of Bob Fitzsimmons,[5] that is, he was rangy. A boxer with a long reach has, of course, a decided advantage. Holmes, too, was fast on his feet, as previously mentioned. Added to these attributes, he had a superior intelligence, which enabled him to analyze his opponent’s tactics and to outsmart him. He doubtless was a dangerous man in the ring. There is evidence that this is so. He gave an extremely good account of himself when he tackled such rough customers as Roaring Jack Woodley (_The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist_), Joseph Harris (_The Naval Treaty_), and an anonymous ruffian (_The Final Problem_); furthermore, the professional boxer McMurdo (_The Sign of the Four_) had a high regard for Holmes’ boxing ability.

Besides being a runner and a boxer, Holmes was a wrestler of no mean ability. He tangled with such villains as Colonel Sebastian Moran, the second most dangerous man in London (_The Adventure of the Empty House_); Professor Moriarty, the Napoleon of crime (_The Final Problem_); and the vigorous and powerful German master spy Von Borck (_The Last Bow_). It has been suggested,[6] and I believe rightly, that Holmes used “baritsu” when dealing with these dangerous characters. They were real killers and would have stopped at nothing. Sherlock Holmes could not afford to take chances when he encountered them. In many instances, Holmes had the dependable and powerful Watson at his side; but whether alone or in company, we know he nearly always got his man.

We infer, especially from a certain episode, that Holmes possessed muscles of steel and had an iron grip. It will be remembered that on one occasion the fierce and gigantic Dr. Grimesby Roylott strode unannounced into the chambers at 221B Baker Street. In a fit of temper, he seized a poker, “... and bent it into a curve” (_The Adventure of the Speckled Band_). After the unpleasant visitor had left, Holmes without much apparent effort straightened the poker out--a task requiring more strength than the initial bending.

I have always felt that, in spite of this startling demonstration on the part of Holmes, for sheer bull-like strength Dr. Watson undoubtedly excelled him. It is true that once at least Watson met his match. He relates that on one occasion he was assaulted by an extremely powerful and active man who sprang upon him and nearly choked him to death (_The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax_). This is an unusual incident, and Watson must have been unprepared, for in a rough-and-tumble fight he could take care of himself in fast company. He had the courage and tenacity of an English bulldog, and, what is more important, knew how to use his strength. Watson did not pretend to be as quick on his feet as Holmes, but he had the other qualities just mentioned to a superlative degree, and these count for a great deal in a catch-as-catch-can bout. Holmes was cognizant of Watson’s prowess, for once the great detective stated that when a man was in a tight place there was no better man to have on one’s side than Watson.

An interesting query can be posed: How did these men keep themselves in reasonably sound physical condition? Watson does not help us to answer this question satisfactorily, for he has this to say about Holmes:

Sherlock Holmes was a man who seldom took exercise for exercise’s sake. Few men were capable of greater muscular effort, and he was undoubtedly one of the finest boxers of his weight that I have ever seen; but he looked upon aimless bodily exertion as a waste of energy, and he seldom bestirred himself save where there was some professional object to be served. Then he was absolutely untiring and indefatigable. That he should have kept himself in training under such circumstances is remarkable, but his diet was usually of the sparest, and his habits were simple to the verge of austerity.

_The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet_

Watson makes two statements which especially require critical comment: the first one, “Few men were capable of greater muscular effort ...” and the second, “Then he was absolutely untiring and indefatigable.” These statements are not convincing, because they are not consistent. Watson plainly indicates that Holmes did not believe in training; and when the record is examined, we discover that actually both Holmes and Watson led sedentary lives. Neither of them engaged in any sport while residing at 221B Baker Street. The only exercise they took, when not working on a case, was walking.

It might be in order to digress a moment and speak of the physiology of exercise. As far as physical training is concerned, we know that there is no substitute for strenuous exercise. The physiology of training is not yet well understood, and but few objective criteria are recognized. There is one criterion, however, which is widely known, and that is the muscular hypertrophy produced by exercise. The classical example is the tremendously developed muscles of the arm of the blacksmith. Most of us in childhood learned Longfellow’s apt lines: “The smith, a mighty man is he, with large and sinewy hands; And the muscles of his brawny arms are strong as iron bands.”

Besides muscular development, there are other factors, although less objective in character and less clearly understood, which are brought about by training. Among these are adaptive changes in the cardiovascular and respiratory system, and certain chemical changes in the blood.

Several examples can be given to show that Dr. Watson appreciated the physiologic symptoms brought about by lack of physical training. On one occasion, he describes the unexpected visit to 221B Baker Street, upon a winter’s morning, of Mr. Alexander Holder, the financier of Threadneedle Street. “He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing ... he was running hard, with occasional little springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to set any tax upon his legs.” Watson continues: “... the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door ...” (_The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet_). This excited and distracted individual finally composed himself and apologetically explained that, instead of taking a cab (because cabs go slowly through the snow), he had hurried to Baker Street on foot. Said he: “That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who takes very little exercise.” In this connection, one is reminded of Lewis Carroll’s lines:

“But wait a bit,” the Oysters cried, “Before we have our chat; For some of us are out of breath, And all of us are fat.”

On another occasion, Watson discloses that, because of his sedentary life, he became “blown” and was forced to slow down, whereas Holmes never faltered, because he was always in training. Watson admitted that his sedentary life had begun to tell upon him and he had to fall behind. Holmes, on the other hand, never slackened his pace, and apparently had an inexhaustible supply of nervous energy (_The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist_).

Another example is found in _The Hound of the Baskervilles_. It will be remembered that, on a damp, sullen evening, Dr. Watson and Sir Henry attempted to catch the escaped criminal Selden, who was hiding out on the moor. Watson, in his report to Holmes, writes:

We were both swift runners and in fairly good training, but we soon found that we had no chance of overtaking him.... We ran and ran until we were completely blown, but the space between us grew ever wider. Finally we stopped and sat panting on two rocks....

In this instance, Watson mentions that he was in fairly good physical condition, although he does not tell us how he managed to reach that state. We must assume that he had been keeping his weight down by dieting and probably taking long walks on the lonely moor. These two factors alone, however, are not sufficient to fit a man for extraordinary and prolonged physical exertion. As pointed out previously, the only way this can be done is by daily, well-regulated, arduous exercise.

In the matter of physical fitness, there is another side of the shield which we must examine. A few individuals, although not many, in spite of their sedentary habits, are apparently at all times physically fit. The muscles of these men seem to keep their firmness and power even though they are but little used. This is difficult to understand. Sherlock Holmes probably was one of these unusual people.

I doubt whether Watson would fit into this category. The good doctor probably had a tendency to put on weight rather easily, and one gets the impression from reading the tales that Watson liked his three square meals each day. He was, to my mind, a typical beefeater. Furthermore, he smoked a great deal, but for that matter so did Holmes. Smoking is thought to interfere with physical fitness; it is said to be “hard on the wind.” Athletes in training are invariably forbidden to smoke. Just how smoking affects physical fitness is not known. It is generally conceded, however, that tobacco in any form, especially if used to excess, reduces both mental and physical efficiency. There is considerable scientific proof for this statement, although this is not the place to present it.

The beneficial effect of even a moderate amount of exercise has been questioned by otherwise intelligent men. A brilliant colleague of mine, for example, contends that the only thing exercise does is to make one fit for still more exercise _ad infinitum_. Well, in a measure this is true, for exercise really is the basis of training, as has been repeatedly emphasized. One famous educator in this country has publicly stated that, when he feels like exercising, he lies down until the feeling passes away. Then there is the story of Chauncey Depew, who lived to the age of ninety-four. When asked what exercise he took to maintain his health, he replied: “The only exercise I have ever taken is to serve as pallbearer for my friends who exercised.” I suspect that these members of the intelligentsia, in their zeal to make their points, have purposely overstated their case.

Be that as it may, many people insist that a certain amount of exercise causes them to feel better. Admittedly, it is difficult for them to explain just what is meant when they say “feel better”--it is a subjective rather than an objective matter. Several reasons can be mentioned, however, why moderate exercise seems beneficial to many people.

To those whose work keeps them constantly at a desk, exercise comes as a welcome relief from monotony. Physiologically, we know that a change of occupation in many instances is as good as a rest. A brisk walk through the park--or better still, in the country--brings to the eye a shifting panorama and relieves boredom and fatigue. Many people enjoy sports, such as a leisurely swim or a short round of golf. The pursuit of these not only calls for exercise, but rests the mind from vexing problems. In fact, there is something intangible about it all; in many individuals, a pronounced psychic component unquestionably plays an important part. Keeping fit, for example, often produces a mental lift and makes some people feel quite content with themselves. This feeling may assume sizable, if not untoward, proportions. The person who takes exercise regularly, who keeps his waistline down, and maintains himself in a fairly good physical state, may feel smug and distinctly superior. He often looks down with pity at his friends who do not believe “in exercise for exercise’s sake,” and, we might add, whose figures confirm and illustrate the fact.

In discussing the philosophy of exercise, we wish to make clear that there is no proof that strenuous muscular activity is beneficial to the body. Indeed, great physical exertion in those past middle age may be deleterious to the organism. The late distinguished English physiologist, Professor F. A. Bainbridge, has happily stated: “The exercise consequent upon the ordinary activities of life is sufficient.”

Exercise, however, should not be counted upon to bring about weight reduction. It has been shown, for example, working with marathon runners at the Harvard Fatigue Laboratories, that it took two and one-half hours of steady running to burn up two pounds of carbohydrates. It has been facetiously pointed out that the most telling exercise leading to a trim figure is the simple procedure of pushing the chair away from the dining table.

The current belief is that people who keep reasonably fit appear healthier than those who do not. Watson caught this thought when he wrote that Mr. Garrideb had a cadaverous face, his skin was dull, and it resembled that of a person who never exercised (_The Adventure of the Three Garridebs_).

In passing, we find a reference concerning a means of taking exercise which shows the austere Holmes in a light frame of mind. He twits Watson about an individual’s using only one dumbbell, and facetiously states that such a person would not develop his muscles symmetrically, and as a consequence might suffer from curvature of the spine (_The Valley of Fear_). Holmes does not tell the whole story. The single dumbbell which worried him could have been used alternately by the right and left hand, and thus unilateral development would be prevented. Watson, as a medical man, knew this; but like a good soldier he let Holmes have his fun and made no reply.

In conclusion, we may say that the principal question we have raised still remains unanswered: that is, how did Holmes and Watson keep themselves in good physical condition? This will always be a mystery. Search as we will, we can find no evidence that either Holmes or Watson kept himself in training. This seems remarkable since there were times when they needed strength and stamina in order to put their foes out of commission, and indeed there were occasions when their very lives depended upon it.

It is difficult to believe that unless Holmes and Watson kept themselves in fairly good condition they could have held their own against strong and desperate men, who presumably were in good fighting form. When one considers how important it was for our heroes to keep physically fit, one is drawn to the irresistible conclusion that they actually took much more exercise and kept themselves in far better training than appears in the tales. Besides their long walks through London, they probably took setting-up exercises at 221B Baker Street. They may even have done some weight lifting or have used dumbbells (since Holmes was so concerned about finding a single dumbbell); perhaps they boxed with each other. It is even possible that they did some swimming. It will be recalled that, after his retirement, Holmes frequently went swimming (_The Adventure of the Lion’s Mane_). They may have engaged in still other forms of exercise. I, for one, am ready to believe that they did not lead such sedentary lives as Dr. Watson would have us think.

THE THERAPEUTIC DOCTOR WATSON

“I had obtained good results in such cases by the inhalation of nitrite of amyl....”

_The Resident Patient_