How Did Sherlock Holmes Freign His Death?

In “The Dying Detective”, by Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes did indeed feign his death as part of a plan to have Culverton Smith arrested. Mrs. Hudson, Sherlock’s servant, and Dr. Watson witnessed Sherlock Holmes in a terrible state; it was believed that he was dying of the Black Formosa Corruption. Sherlock Holmes told Dr. Watson that he had attracted the disease, the Black Formosa Corruption, from Sumatra, an Island in the Indian Ocean, as he was doing research there. Although Sherlock Holmes seemed to be in need of medical assistance, he refused to allow Watson to treat him. Furthermore, Sherlock Holmes claimed that he would rather have another doctor treat him, with whom he had more confidence. Additionally, he requested that Watson …show more content…
Holmes was supposed to have accidentally pricked his finger on the sharp spring concealed within the box. In consequence of pricking his finger, Holmes should have contracted the disease. Not long after Smith’s confession, inspector Morton arrived to arrest Culverton Smith for the murder of Victor Savage; additionally, Smith was charged for the attempted murder of Sherlock Holmes. As part of Sherlock’s plans, Watson was hidden behind the bed so that he could be a witness of the entire conversation; therefore, he would be helpful in proving Smith guilty of his crimes. After the incident, Holmes explained to Watson how he did not actually contract the Black Formosa corruption. Moreover, he explained to Watson the way in which he feigned his death is such a believable manner. There were various techniques with which Sherlock Holmes used: he did not consume food or liquid for three days, he applied Vaseline on his forehead to create a glistening effect, he utilized belladonna for watery eyes, and he added beeswax around his lips. Ultimately, the extremes that Holmes withstood led to Culverton Smith being arrested, making Sherlock’s plan a