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SS Friesland
In The Norwood Builder, Watson makes a passing reference to, "The shocking affair of the Dutch steamship Friesland which so nearly cost us both our lives". This is one of Watson's teasers and is said to have taken place in the few months following Holmes' return after the great hiatus.
In another narrative associated with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Lost World, mention is made of, "...the log of the SS Friesland, a Dutch-American liner". It seems that there was almost definitely a sighting from that ship of the pterodactyl captured by Professor Challenger and his party in South America. It will be remembered that the beast escaped after having been exhibited in London by the professor; the Friesland sighting marks its last known whereabouts.
What conclusions can be drawn from this? It seems unlikely that the two events were one and the same since TLW was published in 1912 - much too late to be contemporaneous with the months immediately preceding The Norwood Builder affair. However, I believe there is a strong possibility that the same vessel was being referred to on both occasions. We know that Sir ACD had seafaring connections. Perhaps he was acquainted with the crew of this singularly ill-fated ship. Or perhaps it is just a fascinating coincidence. Either way, the Friesland enjoys the rare distinction of having been involved in the affairs of both Sherlock Holmes and Professor Challenger.
Best wishes,
Steve.
In The Norwood Builder, Watson makes a passing reference to, "The shocking affair of the Dutch steamship Friesland which so nearly cost us both our lives". This is one of Watson's teasers and is said to have taken place in the few months following Holmes' return after the great hiatus.
In another narrative associated with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Lost World, mention is made of, "...the log of the SS Friesland, a Dutch-American liner". It seems that there was almost definitely a sighting from that ship of the pterodactyl captured by Professor Challenger and his party in South America. It will be remembered that the beast escaped after having been exhibited in London by the professor; the Friesland sighting marks its last known whereabouts.
What conclusions can be drawn from this? It seems unlikely that the two events were one and the same since TLW was published in 1912 - much too late to be contemporaneous with the months immediately preceding The Norwood Builder affair. However, I believe there is a strong possibility that the same vessel was being referred to on both occasions. We know that Sir ACD had seafaring connections. Perhaps he was acquainted with the crew of this singularly ill-fated ship. Or perhaps it is just a fascinating coincidence. Either way, the Friesland enjoys the rare distinction of having been involved in the affairs of both Sherlock Holmes and Professor Challenger.
Best wishes,
Steve.
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