The Sign of the Four

Content Warning: This section depicts recreational drug use and contains outdated and offensive language and racist stereotypes.

“‘My mind,’ he said, ‘rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work, give me the most abstruse cryptogram or the most intricate analysis, and I am in my own proper atmosphere. I can dispense then with artificial stimulants. But I abhor the dull routine of existence. I crave for mental exaltation. That is why I have chosen my own particular profession, or rather created it, for I am the only one in the world.’”

Holmes defends his cocaine use by stating that he needs mental stimulation, and if he cannot find it through a new case or puzzle, he must get it through chemical means. In this scene, we learn that Holmes is prone to what Watson calls “dark moods” when he is not sufficiently engaged. This line is one of his most famous and encapsulates a major part of his character.

“Miss Morstan entered the room with a firm step and an outward composure of manner. She was a blonde young lady, small, dainty, well gloved, and dressed in the most perfect taste. […] Her face had neither regularity of feature nor beauty of complexion, but her expression was sweet and amiable, and her large blue eyes were singularly spiritual and sympathetic. In an experience of women which extends over many nations and three separate continents, I have never looked upon a face which gave a clearer promise of a refined and sensitive nature.”

Watson’s first encounter with Mary Morstan foreshadows their eventual romance, particularly how quickly Watson falls in love with her. Watson makes clear that while Mary is not conventionally beautiful, he finds her sweetness, calm, and dignity attractive. At the same time, Watson brags about his experience with women in many places over the years.

“‘It is of the first importance,’ he cried, ‘not to allow your judgment to be biased by personal qualities. A client is to me a mere unit, a factor in a problem. The emotional qualities are antagonistic to clear reasoning. I assure you that the most winning woman I ever knew was hanged for poisoning her three little children for their insurance-money, and the most repellent man of my acquaintance is a philanthropist who has spent nearly a quarter of a million upon the London poor.’

“‘In this case, however—’

“‘I never make exceptions. An exception disproves the rule.’”

Holmes explains that he does not notice Mary’s attractiveness because in his mind, she is simply a factor in his case, not an actual person. He adds that one should not make assumptions about people based on their physical appearances. However, he later violates his own stricture in his racist assumptions about the Andamanese native, Tonga.