The best way of successfully acting a part is to be it.

[Sherlock Holmes:] The temptation to form premature theories upon insufficient data is the bane of our profession.

No: I am not tired. I have a curious constitution. I never remember feeling tired by work, though idleness exhausts me completely." ~ Sherlock Holmes

It is a great thing to start life with a small number of really good books which are your very own.

The fair sex is your department.

I think there are certain crimes which the law cannot touch, and which therefore, to some extent, justify private revenge.

Just as an octopus may have his den in some ocean cave, and come floating out a silent image of horror to attack a swimmer, so I picture such a spirit lurking in the dark of the house which he curses by his presence, and ready to float out upon all whom he can injure.