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?? History Mystery ?? — It’s “elementary” … What’s the connection between Sherlock Holmes and Mayo Clinic?

Sherlock Holmes, the world’s most famous “consulting detective,” holds a unique place in the culture of Mayo Clinic. Only one of the statements below is correct. But which one is it? As Holmes would say, “The game is afoot.”

A. On a trip to England, Dr. Charles Mayo met Dr. Arthur Conan Doyle, the physician-author who created the character of Sherlock Holmes. They struck up a friendship and corresponded for many years.

B. Dr. Henry Plummer wrote a landmark article for “Mayo Clinic Proceedings” that compared the discipline of medical research to the process of deductive reasoning that Sherlock Holmes used in solving his cases.

C. Dr. Philip Hench, one of two Mayo staff members who received the Nobel Prize for discovering cortisone, was an avid collector of Sherlock Holmes memorabilia.

D. In the 1997 film adaptation of the classic Sherlock Holmes mystery, “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” Holmes’ companion, Dr. John Watson, tells a patient, “Only the Mayo Clinic can help you now.”

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?? History Mystery ?? — It’s “elementary” … What’s the connection between Sherlock Holmes and Mayo Clinic?

Sherlock Holmes, the world’s most famous “consulting detective,” holds a unique place in the culture of Mayo Clinic. Only one of the statements below is correct. But which one is it? As Holmes would say, “The game is afoot.”

A. On a trip to England, Dr. Charles Mayo met Dr. Arthur Conan Doyle, the physician-author who created the character of Sherlock Holmes. They struck up a friendship and corresponded for many years.

B. Dr. Henry Plummer wrote a landmark article for “Mayo Clinic Proceedings” that compared the discipline of medical research to the process of deductive reasoning that Sherlock Holmes used in solving his cases.

C. Dr. Philip Hench, one of two Mayo staff members who received the Nobel Prize for discovering cortisone, was an avid collector of Sherlock Holmes memorabilia.

D. In the 1997 film adaptation of the classic Sherlock Holmes mystery, “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” Holmes’ companion, Dr. John Watson, tells a patient, “Only the Mayo Clinic can help you now.”

Read More »

Explore and Learn

From documentaries to dramatizations, the award-winning series of Mayo Clinic Heritage Films brings our history and culture to life.

Since 1987, peregrine falcons have made a home in the nest box atop one of Mayo’s tall buildings. Now, with our webcam and digital library of resources and activities, Mayo Clinic has falcon fans around the world.

Mayo Clinic is the only medical center in North America with a carillon. This iconic 56-bell instrument and its webcam bring the sounds of hope and healing to people everywhere.

Who, what and when? Follow Mayo’s progress through the years.

Mark your calendar – there’s plenty to see and do!

News reports and interviews keep Mayo Clinic history in the headlines.

Discover the RICH TIES that make Mayo Clinic unique.

Helpful resources and other information.

We’re ready to help you learn more about Mayo Clinic’s history and heritage.

Historic Highlights