Sherlockholmitos (letters Hobson-Bryant)
Sherlockholmitos is are two letters published in The Times on 3 november 1932.
These letters are answers to review Sherlockholmitos (27 october 1932), A. A. Milne's own answer (31 october 1932) and Oxoniensis answer (1 november 1932).
Sherlockholmitos
Letter by Harold Hobson
TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES
Sir. — The letter from Mr. A. A. Milne on "Sherlockholmitos" errs (if an Oxonian may use such a harsh term in connexion with so charming a communication) on the side of modesty. Not only does Cambridge seem to have been the pioneer in the systematic study of Holmes's life, but she is apparently his mother-university.
Such is the supposition of Mr. Thomas Blakeney in his recent book on the subject. Mr. Blakeney adduces as evidence of this theory Holmes's exhaustive knowledge of chemistry. Anyone not quite disposed to regard this circumstance as conclusive proof of a Cambridge training may perhaps have his doubts removed by recalling other details of Holmes's education, as given by Dr. J. H. Watson in "A Study in Scarlet," where it is stated that Holmes's attainments in regard to literature and philosophy were nil, and his knowledge of politics feeble.
I am yours, &c.,
HAROLD HOBSON.
Hermitage Court, Woodford Road, E.18, Nov. 1.
Letter by A. S. Bryant
TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES
Sir, — Craving your pardon, I honestly think Oxford gets it if you want to give honour where honour is due. In my 1923 diary is an entry:— "Told Walter Haigh Branfoot over the teacups on Enford Rectory lawn how I used to hold my breath in 1892 when passing Arthur Conan Doyle's brass plate. He surprised me by saying he supplied Conan Doyle with the story of the Hound of the Baskervilles' and some others."
Branfoot was known to hundreds of Bluecoat boys as a classic and his intimates among them can testify. He was at Lincoln College, Oxford, 1872-1876. He also supplied Stanley Weyman with the theme of the "Castle Inn" and some others.
I am your obedient servant,
A. S. BRYANT.
Upway Rectory, Weymouth, Oct. 31.
