Today marks the birthday of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the mind behind the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes.
Born in Scotland, Doyle pursued his medical studies at the University of Edinburgh, where he encountered Dr. Joseph Bell, a remarkable teacher known for his exceptional deductive skills. Years later, Bell would serve as a key inspiration for Doyle’s character Sherlock Holmes.
Following his medical education, Doyle relocated to London, where the slow pace of his medical practice provided him with plenty of time to write.
His debut story featuring Sherlock Holmes, A Study in Scarlet, made its first appearance in Beeton’s Christmas Annual in 1887. Beginning in 1891, a number of Holmes tales were published in The Strand magazine. This success allowed Doyle to abandon his medical career in 1891 to focus on writing, although he soon became disillusioned with his legendary character.
In The Final Problem, he eliminated both Holmes and his adversary, Dr. Moriarty, but eventually brought Holmes back to life due to overwhelming public demand.
In 1902, Doyle received knighthood for his contributions through his work with a field hospital in South Africa.
Alongside numerous Sherlock Holmes stories and several novels, Doyle authored historical pieces, engaged in whaling, and enjoyed a variety of adventures and athletic activities.
Following the death of his son during World War I, Doyle devoted himself to spiritualism.
He passed away in 1930.
