Problems may be solved in the study which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to use all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment.

It is horrible, yet fascinating, this struggle between a set purpose and an utterly exhausted frame.

It may be that you are not yourself luminous, but that you are a conductor of light. Some people without possessing genius have a remarkable power of stimulating it.

Well, sir, let us do what we can to curtail this visit, which can hardly be agreeable to you, and is inexpressibly irksome to me.

It is quite a three-pipe problem.

Healthy scepticism is the basis of all accurate observation.

For strange effects and extraordinary combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more daring than any effort of the imagination.