National Geographic - How Sherlock Changed the World (2013)

How Sherlock Changed the World

In How Sherlock Changed The World forensic scientists, crime historians and Sherlockian experts reveal the surprising impact Arthur Conan Doyles fictional character had on the development of real-life crime investigations and forensic science A crime fighter before his time, Holmes popularised techniques, instruments and a special method of reasoning that went on to solve many crimes An advocate of protecting crime scenes from contamination, as well as subjecting minute pieces of trace evidence to tremendous scientific security, Holmes relied on toxicology and ballistics and examined shoe and tyre impressions, blood stains, fingerprints and handwriting long before it became standard procedure Exploring how he solved crimes through seemingly inconsequential details and invisible evidence, this documentary explores the influence of his master sleuthing, revealing why he is the only fictional character ever to be honoured by the Royal Chemistry Society As well as hearing from scientists, detectives and even criminals who were inspired by him, many of the high-profile crimes that have been solved thanks to his ingenious and revolutionary techniques are explored.

NG Site