Lindsey Fitzharris on Sleuth Hound: Sherlock, Surgery, and Victorian Scotland

In this episode, we're joined by Dr Lindsey Fitzharris, author of Sleuth-Hound: The Case of the Real Sherlock Holmes.

Fitzharris takes us back to Edinburgh in the 1870s — perhaps the most medically advanced city in the world at the time — where Arthur Conan Doyle, author of Sherlock Holmes, begins his medical studies under Joseph Bell, whose ability to combine medical diagnosis with detective work helped inspire the iconic literary character. 

But Bell’s work extends far beyond the operating theatre or lecture hall. He’s also working with the city’s chief of police to investigate some of the most high-profile murder cases of the century, from Jack the Ripper to Burke and Hare. 

Ultimately, he becomes haunted by what he describes as his “double,” who contained many of his professional talents but very little of his true self. Now, Fitzharris makes a forceful case for this remarkable person, whose influence on the development of medicine and criminology changed the course of history. 

Hosted by Ryan Edgington. Produced by Lily Woods and Matt Hennessey.