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Holmes and Watson: Studies in Addiction

October 21, 2026 · 26 min

Show notes

"I was well aware that the fiend was not dead, but sleeping" [MISS]

Sherlock Holmes infamously used cocaine. Indeed, his habit was such that Dr. Watson, both as a friend and a medical man, was concerned for his health. But addictions in the Canon go beyond that. In this month's "Mr. Sherlock Holmes the Theorist" episode, we turn our attention to Baker Street Miscellanea No. 42 (Summer 1985) in which Robert S. Katz turned his own medical mind to the attention of Holmes's and Watson's addictions, and how they may have been inextricably linked. And it's just a Trifle. If you have a question for us, please email us at [email protected]. If you use your inquiry on the show, we'll send you a thank you gift. Our Merch Store is open: Trifles mugs, notepads, and oval stickers can be yours (or someone else's, if you'd like to make it a gift). Start shopping today. "Trifling Trifles" is short-form content that doesn't warrant a full episode. How busy was Dr. Watson, in all reality? Make sure you're signed up so you don't miss this is exclusive benefit for our paying subscribers. Check it out (Patreon | Substack). Leave Trifles a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to this episode here or wherever you get podcasts Links Music credits Performers: Uncredited violinist, US Marine Chamber Orchestra Publisher Info.: Washington, DC: United States Marine Band. Copyright: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0

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