January 6: Sherlock Holmes

January 6, 1854 is the fictional birthdate of the world’s most famous detective.

Sherlock Holmes Banner

Use this banner on social media to share FCIT’s collection of free Sherlock Holmes audiobooks.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Twelve adventures of Sherlock Holmes published by Arthur Conan Doyle in 1892 from the Lit2Go website.

The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

Eleven adventures of Sherlock Holmes published by Arthur Conan Doyle in 1894 from the Lit2Go website.

The Return of Sherlock Holmes

Thirteen adventures of Sherlock Holmes published by Arthur Conan Doyle in 1892 from the Lit2Go website.

His Last Bow: A Reminiscence of Sherlock Holmes

Three adventures of Sherlock Holmes published by Arthur Conan Doyle in 1892 from the Lit2Go website.

Microscopes and Magnifying Glasses

A gallery of microscopes and magnifying glasses from the ClipArt ETC website. Holmes’ reliance on forensic science necessitated using a magnifying glass at the crime scene and a microscope back at Baker Street to more closely examine the evidence.

Chemistry Apparatus

Over 200 nineteenth century illustrations of chemistry apparatus, some of which may have been found in Holmes’ own chemical laboratory which contained retorts, Bunsen burners, test-tubes, and other apparatus useful for solving questions related to blood analysis and toxicology. In 2002, the royal Society of Chemistry bestowed an honorary fellowship on Holmes for his use of forensic science and analytical chemistry in popular literature, making him the only fictional character thus honored. Illustrations from the ClipArt ETC website.

Sherlock Holmes Museum

Can you match any of the items in the ClipArt ETC galleries above with any if the items in this photo from the Sherlock Holmes Museum?

221B Baker Street

You’ll find Baker Street just south of Regents Park on our map of central London. Explore other maps of London and the United Kingdom at the Maps ETC website.