An essay discussing wether Rudolph Fleisch's "Sherlock Holmes" can be rightly described as a 'Genius'.

"What makes men of genius, or rather what they make is not new ideas, it is that idea- possessing them,..."

This is Rudolph Fleisch's idea and definition of a 'genius'. In this essay, I will pursue this idea with the purpose of convincing the reader that Sherlock Holmes is indeed a believable study of a 'genius'.

Sherlock Holmes is a fictional character created by the well-known author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This late Victorian writer invented a brilliant detective who has successfully solved around 60 cases. Although Holmes is a fictional character, he certainly fits the description of a 'genius'. In "Silver Blaze", Holmes carefully observes the telegraph pole markers, and from this makes quick calculations to how fast he and Dr. Watson are travelling in the train. He displays almost unnatural talents. Among these are his keen eye for observation, and the way, and speed in which, he makes accurate calculations, without pen or paper.

English: Sherlock Holmes (r) and Dr. John B. Watso...

Arthur Conan Doyle Español: Arthur Conan Doyle De...

English: Photograph of the New York production of ...

These traits, can easily be proved by comparing the famous Holmes, to his sidekick Dr. Watson, who acts as his foil. Watson, who is not an unintelligent man himself, accompanies and helps Holmes on all his cases. Watson, when asked how fast they were going, answers like an ordinary man would.

"I have not observed the quarter-mile posts,"

"Nor have I. But the telegraph posts upon this line are sixty yards apart, and the calculation is a simple one." This shows how Holmes excels in intelligence, over the average man.

"Intelligence is usually said to involve mental capabilities such as the ability to reason,... [and] think abstractly..."

Sherlock Holmes proves himself able to reason and make conclusions of his own in contrast to relying on the obvious and on other people. Holmes strongly possesses the skill to argue his point, which is...