What Are Sherlock Practices?

Sherlock practices functionality as he only stores knowledge that serves his purpose of solving mystery cases. For instance, Watson describes how Sherlock only educates himself on matters that are “useful to him” (Doyle 17-18). Rather than unrealistically try push the boundaries of the human mind, Sherlock understands that the mind is an “attic” with limited space (Doyle 17). It is for this reason, he says he fills his metaphoric “attic” with the “tools” which will “help him in doing his work” (Doyle 17). This stops him from crowding out useful information or having a “jumbled up” mind (Doyle 17). Another aspect to take note of, is that Sherlock’s practice of functionality may explain why he does not socialise sufficiently. Although this may be to an extreme, Sherlock preserves even those areas of his brain to the detective work he is committed to. Consequently, Sherlock does
Jefferson clearly has physical skills as he is described as a “scout”, “trapper”, “explorer”, “ranch man” and even a “Washoe hunter” throughout the novel (Doyle 86, 98). All these revolve around practical hunting skill. Jefferson as a Washoe hunter is of particular interest because the Washoe people are a Native American tribe which in colonial ideology may be perceived as backward (Romano 158-159). Nonetheless, Doyle ensures that Jefferson and his primordial practicality are not seen degenerately. Jefferson shows the efficiency of his hunter capabilities in saving Lucy from the “moving stream of fierce-eyed long horned bullocks” (Doyle 84). Additionally, he uses these skills to try track down Drebbers and Strangerson. He ensures to “dog” and “follow” the two men until he is able to avenge their actions (Doyle 114). Jefferson’s achieved goal enforces that the primordial focus of practical action can be beneficial and, thus, should not be repressed to pure theoretical