A Study in Scarlet

—

Um Estudo em Vermelho

Arthur Conan Doyle

ESL Easy Read

Reading Comprehension B1 • Original Text • Português Support

AMOSTRA - contém apenas 15% do texto

Copyright

Fonte original - domínio público

Esta edição ESL Easy Read foi adaptada a partir de A Study in Scarlet, de Arthur Conan Doyle, publicado originalmente em 1887.

A obra original encontra-se em domínio público e pode ser utilizada, reproduzida, distribuída e adaptada de acordo com a legislação aplicável.

Autor

Arthur Conan Doyle (1859 - 1930)

Estados Unidos

Esta obra foi publicada originalmente em 1887.

Nos Estados Unidos, obras publicadas antes de 1930 encontram-se normalmente em domínio público.

Com base no ano de publicação disponível, esta obra encontra-se em domínio público nos Estados Unidos desde 1º de janeiro de 1983.

Brasil

Autor: Arthur Conan Doyle (1859 - 1930)

De acordo com a Lei nº 9.610/1998, os direitos patrimoniais expiram 70 anos após a morte do autor, contados a partir de 1º de janeiro do ano seguinte ao falecimento.

Arthur Conan Doyle faleceu em 1930.

Situação no Brasil: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Portugal

Autor: Arthur Conan Doyle (1859 - 1930)

De acordo com o Código do Direito de Autor e dos Direitos Conexos, a proteção patrimonial dura 70 anos após a morte do autor.

Arthur Conan Doyle faleceu em 1930.

Situação em Portugal: DOMÍNIO PÚBLICO.

Dados da publicação original

Obra original: A Study in Scarlet

Autor: Arthur Conan Doyle

Primeira publicação: 1887

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Esta adaptação ESL Easy Read

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Introdução

Como ler este livro

Cada livro desta coleção é apresentado em um nível de leitura simplificada, de acordo com o CEFR - Quadro Europeu Comum de Referência para Línguas.

A2 - Básico: indicado para leitores que já compreendem frases simples, vocabulário frequente e textos curtos sobre situações do cotidiano.

B1 - Intermediário: indicado para leitores que conseguem compreender as ideias principais de textos claros e acompanhar uma narrativa com vocabulário e estruturas de dificuldade moderada.

B2 - Intermediário avançado: indicado para leitores que já conseguem compreender textos mais complexos, acompanhar descrições detalhadas e reconhecer uma variedade maior de vocabulário e estruturas gramaticais.

Este livro foi adaptado para o nível B1.

Você pode começar a lê-lo mesmo sem dominar completamente o inglês. O texto foi simplificado para facilitar a compreensão, preservando a história, os personagens, o ambiente e os principais acontecimentos da obra original.

O objetivo não é substituir a obra original, mas criar uma passagem gradual entre o inglês que você já conhece e a linguagem literária do texto completo.

Como usar En/Pt

No texto simplificado em inglês, En/Pt abre a página correspondente.

A página En/Pt apresenta três camadas independentes, sempre nesta ordem: a tradução em português do texto simplificado; o trecho correspondente do original em inglês; e a tradução em português do original.

No texto original em inglês, Pt abre diretamente o mesmo parágrafo na versão portuguesa. Nessa versão, En retorna ao mesmo parágrafo no texto original em inglês. Na página En/Pt, Original English retorna de Português Integral ao mesmo parágrafo original.

Como usar o glossário

As palavras e expressões incluídas no glossário são marcadas no texto. Clique ou selecione uma delas para abrir a entrada correspondente.

Cada entrada apresenta:

• a palavra ou expressão original em inglês;

• a sua pronúncia fonética;

• a tradução em português;

• um exemplo de uso em português;

• um exemplo de uso em inglês;

• até seis trechos do livro em que a palavra ou expressão aparece, ou todos os trechos disponíveis quando houver menos de seis ocorrências.

Cada ocorrência apresentada no glossário inclui um link direto para o ponto exato do livro em que a palavra ou expressão foi usada.

Depois de consultar uma ocorrência, o leitor pode retornar diretamente ao ponto do texto de onde abriu o glossário ou navegar para qualquer outra ocorrência da mesma palavra ou expressão dentro do livro.

A função da tradução em português

Procuramos oferecer traduções em português claras, naturais e literariamente agradáveis, tanto para o texto simplificado quanto para o texto original.

Ainda assim, a tradução deve ser entendida apenas como instrumento de apoio. Este livro não foi concebido para ser lido principalmente em português: seu objetivo é ajudar você a ler em inglês e recorrer ao português somente quando necessário.

Sempre que possível, tente primeiro compreender o trecho em inglês. Consulte a tradução para confirmar o sentido, esclarecer uma dificuldade ou comparar estruturas; depois, retorne ao texto em inglês.

Sobre este livro

A medical doctor newly returned from war in Afghanistan meets the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and becomes his lodger in London. When a mysterious murder occurs, Holmes demonstrates his extraordinary powers of deduction to solve the crime, uncovering a tale of revenge spanning from the American frontier to the streets of London.

Declaração sobre conteúdo gerado por inteligência artificial

Esta edição contém conteúdo gerado por ferramentas baseadas em inteligência artificial, incluindo o texto em inglês simplificado, traduções em português e elementos visuais da capa e/ou do interior. O conteúdo foi submetido a revisão editorial humana.

AI-generated content disclosure: This edition contains content generated by AI-based tools, including simplified English text, Portuguese translations, and visual elements used in the cover and/or interior. The content received human editorial review.

Como usar este livro

En/Pt → abre Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1), Original English Version e Tradução Integral em Português no mesmo bloco.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada e Go to the Original English Version retornam ao ponto exato.

Os links pontilhados do glossário voltam diretamente ao uso real da palavra.

Contato

MicMac from Las Vegas LLC
Contato: admin@esleasyread.com

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Reading Comprehension B1

1. Mr. Sherlock Holmes

2. The Science of Deduction

3. The Lauriston Gardens Mystery

Contents

Mr. Sherlock Holmes

En/Pt → In 1878 I got my Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of London, and then I went to Netley to train as an army surgeon. After I finished there, I was sent as Assistant Surgeon to the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers. The regiment was in India, but before I could join it, the second Afghan war had begun. When I landed at Bombay, I learned that my unit had already gone through the passes and was deep in enemy land. I went after them with many other officers in the same situation, and I safely reached Candahar, where I found my regiment and started my new work at once.

En/Pt → The war brought success and promotion to many people, but for me it brought only bad luck and disaster. I was moved from my brigade and sent to the Berkshires, and I served with them at the terrible battle of Maiwand. There I was hit in the shoulder by a Jezail bullet. It broke the bone and missed the subclavian artery by a little. I would have been captured by the cruel Ghazis if my orderly, Murray, had not shown great loyalty and bravery. He put me across a packhorse and brought me safely to the British lines.

En/Pt → I was in great pain and very weak after many hard days, so I was taken with many other wounded men to the base hospital at Peshawar. There I began to recover and could walk around the wards, and even rest a little on the verandah. Then enteric fever struck me, a serious sickness in India. For months people thought I might die. At last I woke up and began to get better, but I was still very weak and thin. A medical board decided that I should be sent back to England at once. So I was put on the troopship Orontes and reached Portsmouth jetty a month later, with my health badly damaged, but with permission to spend the next nine months trying to recover.

En/Pt → I had no family in England, so I was as free as air, or as free as an income of eleven shillings and sixpence a day could make a man. Because of this, I naturally went to London, the huge place where many idle people from the Empire gather. I stayed for some time in a private hotel in the Strand, living in an unhappy and empty way, and spending my money more freely than I should have. Soon my money became dangerously low, and I realized I had to leave London and live in the country, or change my way of living completely. I chose to change, and first decided to leave the hotel and find cheaper rooms in a less grand place.

En/Pt → On the same day that I made this decision, I was standing at the Criterion Bar when someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned and saw young Stamford, who had once worked under me at Barts. Seeing a friendly face in the great city of London was a very pleasant thing for a lonely man. In the past, Stamford had not been a close friend, but now I greeted him warmly, and he seemed glad to see me too. In my happiness, I asked him to have lunch with me at the Holborn, and we went off together in a hansom.

“What have you been doing with yourself, Watson?” he asked in clear surprise as we moved quickly through the busy London streets. “You are as thin as a stick and as brown as a nut.”

I told him a short story of my adventures, and I had hardly finished before we reached our destination.

En/Pt → “Poor fellow!” he said kindly after listening to my troubles. “What are you doing now?”

“Looking for rooms to rent,” I answered. “I am trying to find out if it is possible to get comfortable rooms at a fair price.”

“That is strange,” said my companion. “You are the second man today who has used that same expression to me.”

“And who was the first?” I asked.

“A man who works in the chemical laboratory at the hospital. This morning he was unhappy because he could not find anyone to share some nice rooms he had found, and the rent was too high for him.”

“By Jove!” I cried. “If he really wants someone to share the rooms and the cost, I am the right man for him. I would rather have a partner than live alone.”

Young Stamford looked at me strangely over his wineglass. “You do not know Sherlock Holmes yet,” he said. “Perhaps you would not want him as a constant companion.”

En/Pt → “Why, what is wrong with him?”

“Oh, I did not say anything was wrong with him. He is a little strange in his ideas, and he is very interested in some parts of science. As far as I know, he is a good enough fellow.”

“A medical student, I suppose?” said I.

“No, I do not know what he plans to do. I think he knows anatomy well, and he is a first-rate chemist. But as far as I know, he has never taken any regular medical classes. He studies in a scattered and unusual way, but he has learned a lot of unusual things that would surprise his teachers.”

“Did you never ask him what career he wanted?” I asked.

“No. He is not easy to talk to, though he can speak freely when he feels like it.”

“I should like to meet him,” I said. “If I am going to live with someone, I would prefer a quiet man who likes study. I am not strong enough yet for much noise or excitement. I had enough of both in Afghanistan to last me all my life. How can I meet this friend of yours?”

En/Pt → “He is sure to be at the laboratory,” my companion said. “He either stays away for weeks, or he works there from morning to night. If you like, we can drive there together after lunch.”

“Certainly,” I answered, and then our talk moved on to other things.

After we left the Holborn and walked toward the hospital, Stamford gave me more details about the man I wanted to live with.

“You must not blame me if you do not get along with him,” he said. “I know nothing more about him than what I have learned from meeting him now and then in the laboratory. You suggested this plan, so do not make me responsible.”

“If we do not get along, we can easily stop living together,” I answered. “Stamford,” I added, looking closely at him, “it seems to me that you want to avoid this matter. Is this man so bad-tempered, or what? Do not hide it from me.”

En/Pt → “It is hard to describe what cannot be described,” he said with a laugh. “Holmes is a little too scientific for me. He seems almost cold-hearted. I could imagine him giving a friend a small dose of a new plant poison, not because he means harm, but because he wants to know exactly what it does. And I think he would take it himself just as willingly. He seems to love exact and certain knowledge.”

“Yes, that is true.”

“Yes, but it can go too far. When it leads to beating the bodies in the dissecting rooms with a stick, it is certainly becoming strange.”

“Beating the bodies!”

“Yes, to check how much bruising can happen after death. I saw him do it with my own eyes.”

“And yet you say he is not a medical student?”

En/Pt → “No. Heaven knows what he studies. But here we are, and you must judge him for yourself.” As he spoke, we turned into a narrow lane and went through a small side door into a wing of the great hospital. I knew this place well, so I did not need a guide. We went up the cold stone stairs and along a long corridor with white walls and dull-colored doors. Near the far end, a low arched passage branched off and led to the chemical laboratory.

This was a large room, lined and crowded with many bottles. Wide low tables stood around it, covered with retorts, test tubes, and small Bunsen lamps with blue flames. Only one student was in the room. He was bent over a table at the far end, deeply busy with his work. When he heard our steps, he turned and jumped up with a cry of joy. “I’ve found it! I’ve found it,” he shouted, running toward us with a test tube in his hand. “I have found a reagent that is made to settle by haemoglobin, and by nothing else.” His face showed more joy than if he had found a gold mine.

En/Pt → “Dr. Watson, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said Stamford, introducing us.

“How are you?” he said warmly, shaking my hand with a strength I had not expected. “You have been in Afghanistan, I see.”

“How on earth did you know that?” I asked in great surprise.

“Never mind,” said he, laughing to himself. “The real question is haemoglobin. You can see how important this discovery of mine is, can’t you?”

“It is interesting in chemistry, no doubt,” I answered, “but in practice - ”

En/Pt → “My dear man, it is the most useful medical and legal discovery in years. Don’t you see that it gives us a sure test for blood stains? Come over here now!” In his excitement, he caught my coat sleeve and pulled me to the table where he had been working. “Let us use some fresh blood,” he said. He pricked his finger with a long needle and drew off one drop with a chemical pipette. “Now I add this small amount of blood to a litre of water. You can see that the mixture looks like pure water. The amount of blood is no more than one in a million. But I am sure we will get the right reaction.” As he spoke, he put a few white crystals into the vessel and then added some drops of a clear liquid. At once, the liquid turned a dull brown color, and a brown powder settled at the bottom of the glass jar.

En/Pt → “Ha! ha!” he cried, clapping his hands and looking as happy as a child with a new toy. “What do you think of that?”

“It seems to be a very careful test,” I said.

“Beautiful! Beautiful! The old Guiacum test was clumsy and not always sure. The microscope test for blood cells is not good either, because it does not work if the stains are a few hours old. But this new test seems to work whether the blood is old or fresh. If this test had been invented earlier, hundreds of men who are now alive would have paid for their crimes long ago.”

“Indeed!” I said softly.

“Many criminal cases depend on that one point. A man may be suspected months after a crime. Then his clothes are examined, and brown stains are found. Are they blood, mud, rust, fruit, or something else? Many experts have been confused by that question. Why? Because there was no test they could trust. Now we have the Sherlock Holmes test, and that problem will be gone.”

En/Pt → As he spoke, his eyes shone brightly. He put his hand over his heart and bowed, as if an applauding crowd stood before him in his mind.

“You deserve congratulations,” I said, very surprised by his excitement.

“There was the case of Von Bischoff at Frankfort last year. He would surely have been hanged if this test had existed. Then there was Mason of Bradford, the famous Muller, Lefevre of Montpellier, and Samson of New Orleans. I could name twenty cases where it would have made the answer clear.”

Stamford laughed. “You are like a walking calendar of crime. You could begin a newspaper with that idea. Call it The Police News of the Past.”

“That would be interesting reading too,” said Sherlock Holmes, putting a small piece of plaster over the prick on his finger. “I must be careful,” he said to me with a smile, “because I often work with poisons.” He held out his hand, and I saw that it was covered with many small pieces of plaster and marked by strong acids.

En/Pt → “We came here on business,” said Stamford. He sat on a high three-legged stool and pushed another one toward me with his foot. “My friend here wants to find a place to live. You said you could not find anyone to share with, so I thought I should bring you together.”

Sherlock Holmes looked very happy at the idea of sharing his rooms with me. “I have found a set of rooms in Baker Street,” he said, “and they would suit us very well. I hope you do not mind the smell of strong tobacco?”

“I always smoke ‘ship’s’ myself,” I answered.

“That is good enough. I usually keep chemicals around, and I sometimes do experiments. Would that bother you?”

“Not at all.”

“Let me see - what other faults do I have? Sometimes I feel very low, and then I do not speak for days. Do not think I am angry when that happens. Just leave me alone, and I will soon be fine. Now, what faults do you have? It is best for two men to know each other’s worst points before they start living together.”

En/Pt → I laughed at his questions. “I keep a bull pup,” I said. “I do not like noise because my nerves are shaken. I get up at all kinds of terrible hours, and I am very lazy. When I am well, I have other bad habits, but those are my main ones now.”

“Do you count violin playing as noise?” he asked anxiously.

“It depends on the player,” I answered. “A well-played violin is a pleasure for the gods. A badly played one - ”

“Oh, that is all right,” he cried with a cheerful laugh. “Then I think we can say it is settled, if the rooms suit you.”

“When will we see them?”

“Come here at noon tomorrow, and we will go together and sort everything out,” he answered.

“All right - noon exactly,” said I, shaking his hand.

We left him working with his chemicals, and we walked together toward my hotel.

En/Pt → “By the way,” I asked suddenly, stopping and turning to Stamford, “how on earth did he know I had come from Afghanistan?”

My companion smiled in a strange way. “That is just one of his special habits,” he said. “Many people have wanted to know how he works things out.”

“Oh! Is it a mystery?” I cried, rubbing my hands. “This is very interesting. I am much obliged to you for bringing us together. ‘The proper study of mankind is man,’ you know.”

“Then you must study him,” Stamford said, as he said goodbye to me. “But you will find him a hard problem. I think he will learn more about you than you about him. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye,” I answered, and walked on to my hotel, much interested in my new acquaintance.

The Science of Deduction

En/Pt → We met the next day as he had planned, and looked at the rooms at No. 221B, Baker Street, which he had mentioned before. There were two comfortable bedrooms and one large, airy sitting room. It was nicely furnished and had two wide windows. The rooms were very good, and the rent seemed fair when we split it, so we agreed at once and moved in. That evening I brought my things from the hotel, and the next morning Sherlock Holmes came with several boxes and suitcases. For one or two days, we were busy unpacking and arranging our belongings. After that, we slowly settled in and got used to our new home.

En/Pt → Holmes was not hard to live with. He was quiet and had regular habits. He was rarely up after ten at night, and he always had breakfast and went out before I got up. Sometimes he spent the day in a chemical laboratory, sometimes in the dissecting-rooms, and sometimes he took long walks into poor parts of the City. When he was working, his energy was great. But sometimes he would suddenly become tired and lie on the sofa for days, hardly speaking or moving. At those times, his eyes had a dreamy, empty look. I might have thought he used a drug, if his whole life had not been so clean and self-controlled.

En/Pt → As the weeks passed, my interest in him grew, and I became more curious about his aims in life. Even his appearance drew attention. He was just over six feet tall, but so thin that he seemed taller. His eyes were sharp, except during his lazy periods. His thin, hawk-like nose made him look alert and determined. His chin was strong and square, showing his willpower. His hands were usually stained with ink and chemicals, but he had very delicate touch, as I saw when he handled his fragile instruments.

The reader may think I was very nosy when I admit how much this man made me curious, and how often I tried to make him talk about himself. But people should remember that my life had no real purpose, and I had very little to do. My health kept me from going out unless the weather was very good, and I had no friends to visit me and break the dull routine of my days. So I welcomed the small mystery around my companion, and I spent much of my time trying to solve it.

En/Pt → He was not studying medicine. He had already confirmed Stamford’s opinion about that. He also seemed not to have taken any course that would lead to a degree in science or any other accepted path into the learned world. Yet he studied some subjects with great energy, and in his own strange way he knew an amazing amount of detail. This surprised me. No one would work so hard or learn such exact facts unless he had a clear purpose. People who read without a plan are usually not so exact. No one fills his mind with small facts unless he has a good reason.

His lack of knowledge was as surprising as his knowledge. He seemed to know almost nothing about modern literature, philosophy, or politics. When I mentioned Thomas Carlyle, he very innocently asked who he was and what he had done. My surprise was greatest when I found that he did not know the Copernican Theory or the structure of the Solar System. I could hardly believe that any educated person in the nineteenth century would not know that the earth goes round the sun.

En/Pt → “You look surprised,” he said, smiling at me. “Now that I know it, I shall try my best to forget it.”

“Forget it!”

“You see,” he said, “I think a man’s brain is like a small empty attic. You must fill it with the things you choose. A fool takes in every useless thing he finds, so the useful knowledge gets pushed out, or mixed up so badly that he cannot find it when he needs it. A skilled worker is very careful about what he puts into his brain-attic. He keeps only the tools that help his work, but he keeps many of them, and in perfect order. It is a mistake to think the attic can grow without limit. Sooner or later, every new fact makes you forget something else. That is why useless facts should not push aside useful ones.”

“But the Solar System!” I said.

En/Pt → “What does that matter to me?” he said impatiently. “You say we go round the sun. If we went round the moon, it would make no difference to me or to my work.”

I was about to ask him what that work was, but his manner told me the question would not be welcome. Still, I thought over our short talk and tried to make sense of it. He had said he would learn only what helped his aim. So everything he knew must be useful to him. I listed the things he seemed to know very well, and even wrote them down with a pencil. When I finished, I could not help smiling. It looked like this -

When I got that far in my list, I threw it into the fire in despair. “If I can only find what the fellow is aiming at by fitting all these skills together, and finding a job that needs them all,” I said to myself, “I may as well stop trying at once.”

En/Pt → I have mentioned his skill with the violin. It was very great, but just as odd as the rest of his talents. I knew he could play difficult pieces, because at my request he played some of Mendelssohn’s Lieder and other favourites. But when he was alone, he rarely played any real music. In the evening he would lean back in his armchair, close his eyes, and draw carelessly across the violin on his knee. Sometimes the notes were deep and sad. At other times they were strange and cheerful. They seemed to match his thoughts, but I could not tell whether the music helped him think or was just a passing fancy. I might have been annoyed by these endless solos if he had not usually ended them by playing a whole group of my favourite tunes as a small reward for my patience.

En/Pt → During the first week or so, we had no visitors, and I began to think that my companion was as friendless as I was. But soon I found that he had many acquaintances from very different parts of society. One was a small, dark, sharp-faced man called Mr. Lestrade, who came three or four times in one week. One morning a young, fashionably dressed girl visited us and stayed for half an hour or more. That same afternoon a grey-haired, shabby man who looked like a Jewish peddler came, looking excited, and was followed closely by an untidy older woman. On another day, an old white-haired gentleman met with my companion; on another, a railway porter in his velveteen uniform. Whenever these strange people arrived, Sherlock Holmes would ask to use the sitting-room, and I would go to my bedroom. He always apologized for the trouble. “I have to use this room as a place of business,” he said, “and these people are my clients.” Once again I wanted to ask him directly about it, but I did not force him to speak. I thought he had some strong reason for keeping silent, but he soon changed that by bringing up the subject himself.

En/Pt → On March 4th, which I remember well, I got up a little earlier than usual and found that Sherlock Holmes had not finished breakfast. The landlady had grown used to my late habits, so my place was not set and my coffee was not ready. Irritated, I rang the bell and said shortly that I was ready. Then I picked up a magazine and tried to pass the time while my companion ate his toast in silence. One article had a pencil mark at the title, and I naturally began to read it.

En/Pt → Its bold title was “The Book of Life,” and it tried to show how much an observant man could learn by carefully and systematically studying everything around him. To me, it seemed both clever and ridiculous. The reasoning was sharp, but the conclusions felt forced and exaggerated. The writer said that from a quick look, a twitch of a muscle, or a glance of an eye, he could understand a man’s deepest thoughts. He claimed that a trained observer could not be fooled. His conclusions were as certain, he said, as Euclid’s propositions. To people who did not know his methods, the results would seem so amazing that they might think he was a magician.

En/Pt → “From a drop of water,” said the writer, “a thinker could guess the chance of an Atlantic or a Niagara, even without seeing or hearing of them. So all life is one great chain, and if we know one link, we can understand the nature of the whole. Like any art, the Science of Deduction and Analysis can only be learned through long and patient study, and no human life is long enough to reach perfect skill in it. Before moving to the moral and mental problems, which are the hardest, the student should begin with simpler ones. When he meets another person, he should learn at once to tell the man’s history and his trade or profession. It may seem childish, but it sharpens observation and teaches one where and how to look. A man’s calling is clearly shown by his fingernails, coat sleeve, boot, trouser knees, the hard skin on his finger and thumb, his face, and his shirt cuffs. It is almost impossible that all these signs together should fail to tell a good observer what he needs to know.”

En/Pt → “What complete nonsense!” I cried, slapping the magazine down on the table. “I never read such rubbish in my life.”

“What is it?” asked Sherlock Holmes.

“This article,” I said, pointing to it with my egg spoon as I sat down to breakfast. “I see you have read it, since you marked it. I do not deny that it is well written. But it annoys me. It is clearly the work of some easy chair thinker, making neat little paradoxes in his own study. It is not practical. I would like to see him put in a third-class carriage on the Underground and asked to name the jobs of all the other passengers. I would bet a thousand to one against him.”

“You would lose your money,” Sherlock Holmes said calmly. “As for the article, I wrote it myself.”

“You!”

“Yes, I have a gift for both observation and deduction. The ideas I wrote there may seem impossible to you, but they are very useful. I depend on them for my living.”

En/Pt → “And how?” I asked at once.

“Well, I have my own work. I suppose I am the only one in the world. I am a consulting detective, if you know what that means. Here in London we have many Government detectives and many private ones. When they cannot solve a case, they come to me, and I help them find the right answer. They show me all the evidence, and I can usually put things right by using my knowledge of crime history. Wrongdoing often follows the same patterns. If you know the details of a thousand cases, it is strange if you cannot solve the thousand and first. Lestrade is a well-known detective. He was confused by a forgery case recently, and that is what brought him here.”

“And these other people?”

“Most of them come through private agencies. They are people who have trouble with something and want help. I listen to their story, they listen to my advice, and then I take my fee.”

En/Pt → “But do you mean,” I said, “that without leaving this room you can solve a problem that other men cannot understand, even when they have seen every detail themselves?”

“Yes, exactly. I have a kind of instinct for it. Sometimes a case is more complicated, and then I must go out and see things myself. I have special knowledge that I use to solve the problem, and it helps very much. The rules of deduction in that article, which you mocked, are very useful in real work. I am used to observing things. You were surprised when I told you at our first meeting that you had come from Afghanistan.”

“You were told, I suppose.”

En/Pt → “Not at all. I knew you had come from Afghanistan. Long habit made my thoughts move so quickly that I reached the answer without noticing the steps. But there were steps. I thought: ‘Here is a gentleman with the look of a doctor, but also of a soldier. So he is an army doctor. He has just come from the tropics, because his face is dark, but his wrists are fair, so the color is not natural. He looks tired and sick, so he has suffered hardship. His left arm has been hurt. He holds it stiffly. Where in the tropics could an English army doctor have gone through so much and had his arm wounded? Clearly in Afghanistan.’ All this took less than a second. Then I said you had come from Afghanistan, and you were amazed.”

“It is easy enough when you explain it,” I said, smiling. “You make me think of Edgar Allan Poe’s Dupin. I did not know that such people existed outside stories.”

En/Pt → Sherlock Holmes stood up and lit his pipe. “You may think you are praising me by comparing me with Dupin,” he said. “But I think Dupin was much less skilled. His trick of interrupting his friends’ thoughts after fifteen minutes of silence sounds clever, but it is really only showy. He had some gift for analysis, of course, but he was not the great wonder that Poe seemed to imagine.”

“Have you read Gaboriau’s books?” I asked. “Does Lecoq match your idea of a detective?”

Sherlock Holmes gave a cold, rude sniff. “Lecoq was a poor failure,” he said angrily. “The only good thing about him was his energy. That book made me feel sick. The problem was to identify an unknown prisoner. I could have done it in twenty-four hours. Lecoq took about six months. The book should be used as a lesson for detectives in what to avoid.”

En/Pt → I was angry that he spoke so carelessly about two characters I had admired. I went to the window and looked out at the busy street. “This man may be very clever,” I thought, “but he is certainly very arrogant.”

“There are no crimes and no criminals these days,” he said in an annoyed voice. “What is the use of brains in our work? I know I could become famous. No one living now, and no one who has ever lived, has put the same amount of study and natural talent into crime detection that I have. And what do I get? No real crimes to solve, or only foolish crimes with motives so clear that even a Scotland Yard officer can see through them.”

I was still irritated by his proud way of speaking. I decided to change the subject.

“I wonder what that man is looking for?” I asked, pointing to a strong man in plain clothes who was walking slowly along the other side of the street and studying the house numbers with worry. He had a large blue envelope in his hand, and he seemed to be carrying a message.

En/Pt → “You mean the retired sergeant of Marines,” Sherlock Holmes said.

“Show-off!” I thought. “He knows that I cannot check his guess.”

I had hardly thought this when the man we were watching saw the number on our door and ran quickly across the road. We heard a loud knock, a deep voice downstairs, and heavy steps coming up the stairs.

“For Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” he said. He came into the room and gave my friend the letter.

This was a chance to make him less proud. He did not expect this when he made that lucky guess. “May I ask, my lad,” I said as politely as I could, “what work you do?”

“Commissionaire, sir,” he said in a rough voice. “Uniform is away for repairs.”

“And you were?” I asked, with a slightly mean look at my companion.

“A sergeant, sir, Royal Marine Light Infantry, sir. No answer? Right, sir.”

En/Pt → He snapped his heels together, raised his hand in salute, and left.

The Lauriston Gardens Mystery

En/Pt → I must admit that I was very surprised by this new proof of my companion’s practical ideas. My respect for his skill in analysis grew greatly. Still, I had a small doubt that the whole thing was planned to impress me, though I could not understand why he would want to trick me. When I looked at him, he had finished reading the note, and his eyes had the empty, dull look of someone deep in thought.

“How on earth did you work that out?” I asked.

“Deduce what?” he said, in an annoyed way.

“That he was a retired Marine sergeant.”

“I have no time for small things,” he answered sharply. Then he smiled. “Sorry for being rude. You interrupted my thoughts, but perhaps that is all right. So you really could not see that the man was a Marine sergeant?”

“No, I could not.”

En/Pt → “It was easier to know it than to explain how I knew it. If you were asked to prove that two and two make four, you might find that hard, even though you are sure it is true. Even from across the street, I could see a large blue anchor tattooed on the back of the man’s hand. That showed the sea. He also had a military way of standing and proper side whiskers. So there was the Marine. He looked proud and in command. You must have noticed how he held his head and swung his cane. He was also steady and respectable, and looked middle-aged. All these facts led me to think he had been a sergeant.”

Original English Text

1. Mr. Sherlock Holmes

2. The Science of Deduction

3. The Lauriston Gardens Mystery

Contents

Mr. Sherlock Holmes

Português → In the year 1878 I took my degree of Doctor of Medicine of the University of London, and proceeded to Netley to go through the course prescribed for surgeons in the army. Having completed my studies there, I was duly attached to the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers as Assistant Surgeon. The regiment was stationed in India at the time, and before I could join it, the second Afghan war had broken out. On landing at Bombay, I learned that my corps had advanced through the passes, and was already deep in the enemy’s country. I followed, however, with many other officers who were in the same situation as myself, and succeeded in reaching Candahar in safety, where I found my regiment, and at once entered upon my new duties.

Português → The campaign brought honours and promotion to many, but for me it had nothing but misfortune and disaster. I was removed from my brigade and attached to the Berkshires, with whom I served at the fatal battle of Maiwand. There I was struck on the shoulder by a Jezail bullet, which shattered the bone and grazed the subclavian artery. I should have fallen into the hands of the murderous Ghazis had it not been for the devotion and courage shown by Murray, my orderly, who threw me across a packhorse, and succeeded in bringing me safely to the British lines.

Português → Worn with pain, and weak from the prolonged hardships which I had undergone, I was removed, with a great train of wounded sufferers, to the base hospital at Peshawar. Here I rallied, and had already improved so far as to be able to walk about the wards, and even to bask a little upon the verandah, when I was struck down by enteric fever, that curse of our Indian possessions. For months my life was despaired of, and when at last I came to myself and became convalescent, I was so weak and emaciated that a medical board determined that not a day should be lost in sending me back to England. I was dispatched, accordingly, in the troopship Orontes, and landed a month later on Portsmouth jetty, with my health irretrievably ruined, but with permission from a paternal government to spend the next nine months in attempting to improve it.

Português → I had neither kith nor kin in England, and was therefore as free as air - or as free as an income of eleven shillings and sixpence a day will permit a man to be. Under such circumstances, I naturally gravitated to London, that great cesspool into which all the loungers and idlers of the Empire are irresistibly drained. There I stayed for some time at a private hotel in the Strand, leading a comfortless, meaningless existence, and spending such money as I had, considerably more freely than I ought. So alarming did the state of my finances become, that I soon realized that I must either leave the metropolis and rusticate somewhere in the country, or that I must make a complete alteration in my style of living. Choosing the latter alternative, I began by making up my mind to leave the hotel, and to take up my quarters in some less pretentious and less expensive domicile.

Português → On the very day that I had come to this conclusion, I was standing at the Criterion Bar, when someone tapped me on the shoulder, and turning round I recognized young Stamford, who had been a dresser under me at Barts. The sight of a friendly face in the great wilderness of London is a pleasant thing indeed to a lonely man. In old days Stamford had never been a particular crony of mine, but now I hailed him with enthusiasm, and he, in his turn, appeared to be delighted to see me. In the exuberance of my joy, I asked him to lunch with me at the Holborn, and we started off together in a hansom.

“Whatever have you been doing with yourself, Watson?” he asked in undisguised wonder, as we rattled through the crowded London streets. “You are as thin as a lath and as brown as a nut.”

I gave him a short sketch of my adventures, and had hardly concluded it by the time that we reached our destination.

Português → “Poor devil!” he said, commiseratingly, after he had listened to my misfortunes. “What are you up to now?”

“Looking for lodgings,” I answered. “Trying to solve the problem as to whether it is possible to get comfortable rooms at a reasonable price.”

“That’s a strange thing,” remarked my companion; “you are the second man today that has used that expression to me.”

“And who was the first?” I asked.

“A fellow who is working at the chemical laboratory up at the hospital. He was bemoaning himself this morning because he could not get someone to go halves with him in some nice rooms which he had found, and which were too much for his purse.”

“By Jove!” I cried, “if he really wants someone to share the rooms and the expense, I am the very man for him. I should prefer having a partner to being alone.”

Young Stamford looked rather strangely at me over his wineglass. “You don’t know Sherlock Holmes yet,” he said; “perhaps you would not care for him as a constant companion.”

Português → “Why, what is there against him?”

“Oh, I didn’t say there was anything against him. He is a little queer in his ideas - an enthusiast in some branches of science. As far as I know he is a decent fellow enough.”

“A medical student, I suppose?” said I.

“No - I have no idea what he intends to go in for. I believe he is well up in anatomy, and he is a first-class chemist; but, as far as I know, he has never taken out any systematic medical classes. His studies are very desultory and eccentric, but he has amassed a lot of out-of-the-way knowledge which would astonish his professors.”

“Did you never ask him what he was going in for?” I asked.

“No; he is not a man that it is easy to draw out, though he can be communicative enough when the fancy seizes him.”

“I should like to meet him,” I said. “If I am to lodge with anyone, I should prefer a man of studious and quiet habits. I am not strong enough yet to stand much noise or excitement. I had enough of both in Afghanistan to last me for the remainder of my natural existence. How could I meet this friend of yours?”

Português → “He is sure to be at the laboratory,” returned my companion. “He either avoids the place for weeks, or else he works there from morning to night. If you like, we shall drive round together after luncheon.”

“Certainly,” I answered, and the conversation drifted away into other channels.

As we made our way to the hospital after leaving the Holborn, Stamford gave me a few more particulars about the gentleman whom I proposed to take as a fellow-lodger.

“You mustn’t blame me if you don’t get on with him,” he said; “I know nothing more of him than I have learned from meeting him occasionally in the laboratory. You proposed this arrangement, so you must not hold me responsible.”

“If we don’t get on it will be easy to part company,” I answered. “It seems to me, Stamford,” I added, looking hard at my companion, “that you have some reason for washing your hands of the matter. Is this fellow’s temper so formidable, or what is it? Don’t be mealymouthed about it.”

Português → “It is not easy to express the inexpressible,” he answered with a laugh. “Holmes is a little too scientific for my tastes - it approaches to cold-bloodedness. I could imagine his giving a friend a little pinch of the latest vegetable alkaloid, not out of malevolence, you understand, but simply out of a spirit of inquiry in order to have an accurate idea of the effects. To do him justice, I think that he would take it himself with the same readiness. He appears to have a passion for definite and exact knowledge.”

“Very right too.”

“Yes, but it may be pushed to excess. When it comes to beating the subjects in the dissecting-rooms with a stick, it is certainly taking rather a bizarre shape.”

“Beating the subjects!”

“Yes, to verify how far bruises may be produced after death. I saw him at it with my own eyes.”

“And yet you say he is not a medical student?”

Português → “No. Heaven knows what the objects of his studies are. But here we are, and you must form your own impressions about him.” As he spoke, we turned down a narrow lane and passed through a small side-door, which opened into a wing of the great hospital. It was familiar ground to me, and I needed no guiding as we ascended the bleak stone staircase and made our way down the long corridor with its vista of whitewashed wall and dun-coloured doors. Near the further end a low arched passage branched away from it and led to the chemical laboratory.

This was a lofty chamber, lined and littered with countless bottles. Broad, low tables were scattered about, which bristled with retorts, test-tubes, and little Bunsen lamps, with their blue flickering flames. There was only one student in the room, who was bending over a distant table absorbed in his work. At the sound of our steps he glanced round and sprang to his feet with a cry of pleasure. “I’ve found it! I’ve found it,” he shouted to my companion, running towards us with a test-tube in his hand. “I have found a reagent which is precipitated by haemoglobin, and by nothing else.” Had he discovered a gold mine, greater delight could not have shone upon his features.

Português → “Dr. Watson, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said Stamford, introducing us.

“How are you?” he said cordially, gripping my hand with a strength for which I should hardly have given him credit. “You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive.”

“How on earth did you know that?” I asked in astonishment.

“Never mind,” said he, chuckling to himself. “The question now is about haemoglobin. No doubt you see the significance of this discovery of mine?”

“It is interesting, chemically, no doubt,” I answered, “but practically - ”

Português → “Why, man, it is the most practical medico-legal discovery for years. Don’t you see that it gives us an infallible test for blood stains? Come over here now!” He seized me by the coat-sleeve in his eagerness, and drew me over to the table at which he had been working. “Let us have some fresh blood,” he said, digging a long bodkin into his finger, and drawing off the resulting drop of blood in a chemical pipette. “Now, I add this small quantity of blood to a litre of water. You perceive that the resulting mixture has the appearance of pure water. The proportion of blood cannot be more than one in a million. I have no doubt, however, that we shall be able to obtain the characteristic reaction.” As he spoke, he threw into the vessel a few white crystals, and then added some drops of a transparent fluid. In an instant the contents assumed a dull mahogany colour, and a brownish dust was precipitated to the bottom of the glass jar.

Português → “Ha! ha!” he cried, clapping his hands, and looking as delighted as a child with a new toy. “What do you think of that?”

“It seems to be a very delicate test,” I remarked.

“Beautiful! beautiful! The old Guiacum test was very clumsy and uncertain. So is the microscopic examination for blood corpuscles. The latter is valueless if the stains are a few hours old. Now, this appears to act as well whether the blood is old or new. Had this test been invented, there are hundreds of men now walking the earth who would long ago have paid the penalty of their crimes.”

“Indeed!” I murmured.

“Criminal cases are continually hinging upon that one point. A man is suspected of a crime months perhaps after it has been committed. His linen or clothes are examined, and brownish stains discovered upon them. Are they blood stains, or mud stains, or rust stains, or fruit stains, or what are they? That is a question which has puzzled many an expert, and why? Because there was no reliable test. Now we have the Sherlock Holmes’ test, and there will no longer be any difficulty.”

Português → His eyes fairly glittered as he spoke, and he put his hand over his heart and bowed as if to some applauding crowd conjured up by his imagination.

“You are to be congratulated,” I remarked, considerably surprised at his enthusiasm.

“There was the case of Von Bischoff at Frankfort last year. He would certainly have been hung had this test been in existence. Then there was Mason of Bradford, and the notorious Muller, and Lefevre of Montpellier, and Samson of New Orleans. I could name a score of cases in which it would have been decisive.”

“You seem to be a walking calendar of crime,” said Stamford with a laugh. “You might start a paper on those lines. Call it the Police News of the Past.”

“Very interesting reading it might be made, too,” remarked Sherlock Holmes, sticking a small piece of plaster over the prick on his finger. “I have to be careful,” he continued, turning to me with a smile, “for I dabble with poisons a good deal.” He held out his hand as he spoke, and I noticed that it was all mottled over with similar pieces of plaster, and discoloured with strong acids.

Português → “We came here on business,” said Stamford, sitting down on a high three-legged stool, and pushing another one in my direction with his foot. “My friend here wants to take diggings, and as you were complaining that you could get no one to go halves with you, I thought that I had better bring you together.”

Sherlock Holmes seemed delighted at the idea of sharing his rooms with me. “I have my eye on a suite in Baker Street,” he said, “which would suit us down to the ground. You don’t mind the smell of strong tobacco, I hope?”

“I always smoke ‘ship’s’ myself,” I answered.

“That’s good enough. I generally have chemicals about, and occasionally do experiments. Would that annoy you?”

“By no means.”

“Let me see - what are my other shortcomings? I get in the dumps at times, and don’t open my mouth for days on end. You must not think I am sulky when I do that. Just let me alone, and I’ll soon be right. What have you to confess now? It’s just as well for two fellows to know the worst of one another before they begin to live together.”

Português → I laughed at this cross-examination. “I keep a bull pup,” I said, “and I object to rows because my nerves are shaken, and I get up at all sorts of ungodly hours, and I am extremely lazy. I have another set of vices when I’m well, but those are the principal ones at present.”

“Do you include violin-playing in your category of rows?” he asked, anxiously.

“It depends on the player,” I answered. “A well-played violin is a treat for the gods - a badly-played one - ”

“Oh, that’s all right,” he cried, with a merry laugh. “I think we may consider the thing as settled - that is, if the rooms are agreeable to you.”

“When shall we see them?”

“Call for me here at noon tomorrow, and we’ll go together and settle everything,” he answered.

“All right - noon exactly,” said I, shaking his hand.

We left him working among his chemicals, and we walked together towards my hotel.

Português → “By the way,” I asked suddenly, stopping and turning upon Stamford, “how the deuce did he know that I had come from Afghanistan?”

My companion smiled an enigmatical smile. “That’s just his little peculiarity,” he said. “A good many people have wanted to know how he finds things out.”

“Oh! a mystery is it?” I cried, rubbing my hands. “This is very piquant. I am much obliged to you for bringing us together. ‘The proper study of mankind is man,’ you know.”

“You must study him, then,” Stamford said, as he bade me goodbye. “You’ll find him a knotty problem, though. I’ll wager he learns more about you than you about him. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye,” I answered, and strolled on to my hotel, considerably interested in my new acquaintance.

The Science of Deduction

Português → We met next day as he had arranged, and inspected the rooms at No. 221B, Baker Street, of which he had spoken at our meeting. They consisted of a couple of comfortable bedrooms and a single large airy sitting-room, cheerfully furnished, and illuminated by two broad windows. So desirable in every way were the apartments, and so moderate did the terms seem when divided between us, that the bargain was concluded upon the spot, and we at once entered into possession. That very evening I moved my things round from the hotel, and on the following morning Sherlock Holmes followed me with several boxes and portmanteaus. For a day or two we were busily employed in unpacking and laying out our property to the best advantage. That done, we gradually began to settle down and to accommodate ourselves to our new surroundings.

Português → Holmes was certainly not a difficult man to live with. He was quiet in his ways, and his habits were regular. It was rare for him to be up after ten at night, and he had invariably breakfasted and gone out before I rose in the morning. Sometimes he spent his day at the chemical laboratory, sometimes in the dissecting-rooms, and occasionally in long walks, which appeared to take him into the lowest portions of the City. Nothing could exceed his energy when the working fit was upon him; but now and again a reaction would seize him, and for days on end he would lie upon the sofa in the sitting-room, hardly uttering a word or moving a muscle from morning to night. On these occasions I have noticed such a dreamy, vacant expression in his eyes, that I might have suspected him of being addicted to the use of some narcotic, had not the temperance and cleanliness of his whole life forbidden such a notion.

Português → As the weeks went by, my interest in him and my curiosity as to his aims in life, gradually deepened and increased. His very person and appearance were such as to strike the attention of the most casual observer. In height he was rather over six feet, and so excessively lean that he seemed to be considerably taller. His eyes were sharp and piercing, save during those intervals of torpor to which I have alluded; and his thin, hawk-like nose gave his whole expression an air of alertness and decision. His chin, too, had the prominence and squareness which mark the man of determination. His hands were invariably blotted with ink and stained with chemicals, yet he was possessed of extraordinary delicacy of touch, as I frequently had occasion to observe when I watched him manipulating his fragile philosophical instruments.

The reader may set me down as a hopeless busybody, when I confess how much this man stimulated my curiosity, and how often I endeavoured to break through the reticence which he showed on all that concerned himself. Before pronouncing judgment, however, be it remembered, how objectless was my life and how little there was to engage my attention. My health forbade me from venturing out unless the weather was exceptionally genial, and I had no friends who would call upon me and break the monotony of my daily existence. Under these circumstances, I eagerly hailed the little mystery which hung around my companion, and spent much of my time in endeavouring to unravel it.

Português → He was not studying medicine. He had himself, in reply to a question, confirmed Stamford’s opinion upon that point. Neither did he appear to have pursued any course of reading which might fit him for a degree in science or any other recognized portal which would give him an entrance into the learned world. Yet his zeal for certain studies was remarkable, and within eccentric limits his knowledge was so extraordinarily ample and minute that his observations have fairly astounded me. Surely no man would work so hard or attain such precise information unless he had some definite end in view. Desultory readers are seldom remarkable for the exactness of their learning. No man burdens his mind with small matters unless he has some very good reason for doing so.

His ignorance was as remarkable as his knowledge. Of contemporary literature, philosophy and politics he appeared to know next to nothing. Upon my quoting Thomas Carlyle, he inquired in the naivest way who he might be and what he had done. My surprise reached a climax, however, when I found incidentally that he was ignorant of the Copernican Theory and of the composition of the Solar System. That any civilized human being in this nineteenth century should not be aware that the earth travelled round the sun appeared to be to me such an extraordinary fact that I could hardly realize it.

Português → “You appear to be astonished,” he said, smiling at my expression of surprise. “Now that I do know it I shall do my best to forget it.”

“To forget it!”

“You see,” he explained, “I consider that a man’s brain originally is like a little empty attic, and you have to stock it with such furniture as you choose. A fool takes in all the lumber of every sort that he comes across, so that the knowledge which might be useful to him gets crowded out, or at best is jumbled up with a lot of other things so that he has a difficulty in laying his hands upon it. Now the skilful workman is very careful indeed as to what he takes into his brain-attic. He will have nothing but the tools which may help him in doing his work, but of these he has a large assortment, and all in the most perfect order. It is a mistake to think that that little room has elastic walls and can distend to any extent. Depend upon it there comes a time when for every addition of knowledge you forget something that you knew before. It is of the highest importance, therefore, not to have useless facts elbowing out the useful ones.”

“But the Solar System!” I protested.

Português → “What the deuce is it to me?” he interrupted impatiently; “you say that we go round the sun. If we went round the moon it would not make a pennyworth of difference to me or to my work.”

I was on the point of asking him what that work might be, but something in his manner showed me that the question would be an unwelcome one. I pondered over our short conversation, however, and endeavoured to draw my deductions from it. He said that he would acquire no knowledge which did not bear upon his object. Therefore all the knowledge which he possessed was such as would be useful to him. I enumerated in my own mind all the various points upon which he had shown me that he was exceptionally well-informed. I even took a pencil and jotted them down. I could not help smiling at the document when I had completed it. It ran in this way -

When I had got so far in my list I threw it into the fire in despair. “If I can only find what the fellow is driving at by reconciling all these accomplishments, and discovering a calling which needs them all,” I said to myself, “I may as well give up the attempt at once.”

Português → I see that I have alluded above to his powers upon the violin. These were very remarkable, but as eccentric as all his other accomplishments. That he could play pieces, and difficult pieces, I knew well, because at my request he has played me some of Mendelssohn’s Lieder, and other favourites. When left to himself, however, he would seldom produce any music or attempt any recognized air. Leaning back in his armchair of an evening, he would close his eyes and scrape carelessly at the fiddle which was thrown across his knee. Sometimes the chords were sonorous and melancholy. Occasionally they were fantastic and cheerful. Clearly they reflected the thoughts which possessed him, but whether the music aided those thoughts, or whether the playing was simply the result of a whim or fancy was more than I could determine. I might have rebelled against these exasperating solos had it not been that he usually terminated them by playing in quick succession a whole series of my favourite airs as a slight compensation for the trial upon my patience.

Português → During the first week or so we had no callers, and I had begun to think that my companion was as friendless a man as I was myself. Presently, however, I found that he had many acquaintances, and those in the most different classes of society. There was one little sallow rat-faced, dark-eyed fellow who was introduced to me as Mr. Lestrade, and who came three or four times in a single week. One morning a young girl called, fashionably dressed, and stayed for half an hour or more. The same afternoon brought a grey-headed, seedy visitor, looking like a Jew pedlar, who appeared to me to be much excited, and who was closely followed by a slipshod elderly woman. On another occasion an old white-haired gentleman had an interview with my companion; and on another a railway porter in his velveteen uniform. When any of these nondescript individuals put in an appearance, Sherlock Holmes used to beg for the use of the sitting-room, and I would retire to my bedroom. He always apologized to me for putting me to this inconvenience. “I have to use this room as a place of business,” he said, “and these people are my clients.” Again I had an opportunity of asking him a point blank question, and again my delicacy prevented me from forcing another man to confide in me. I imagined at the time that he had some strong reason for not alluding to it, but he soon dispelled the idea by coming round to the subject of his own accord.

Português → It was upon the 4th of March, as I have good reason to remember, that I rose somewhat earlier than usual, and found that Sherlock Holmes had not yet finished his breakfast. The landlady had become so accustomed to my late habits that my place had not been laid nor my coffee prepared. With the unreasonable petulance of mankind I rang the bell and gave a curt intimation that I was ready. Then I picked up a magazine from the table and attempted to while away the time with it, while my companion munched silently at his toast. One of the articles had a pencil mark at the heading, and I naturally began to run my eye through it.

Português → Its somewhat ambitious title was “The Book of Life,” and it attempted to show how much an observant man might learn by an accurate and systematic examination of all that came in his way. It struck me as being a remarkable mixture of shrewdness and of absurdity. The reasoning was close and intense, but the deductions appeared to me to be far-fetched and exaggerated. The writer claimed by a momentary expression, a twitch of a muscle or a glance of an eye, to fathom a man’s inmost thoughts. Deceit, according to him, was an impossibility in the case of one trained to observation and analysis. His conclusions were as infallible as so many propositions of Euclid. So startling would his results appear to the uninitiated that until they learned the processes by which he had arrived at them they might well consider him as a necromancer.

Português → “From a drop of water,” said the writer, “a logician could infer the possibility of an Atlantic or a Niagara without having seen or heard of one or the other. So all life is a great chain, the nature of which is known whenever we are shown a single link of it. Like all other arts, the Science of Deduction and Analysis is one which can only be acquired by long and patient study, nor is life long enough to allow any mortal to attain the highest possible perfection in it. Before turning to those moral and mental aspects of the matter which present the greatest difficulties, let the enquirer begin by mastering more elementary problems. Let him, on meeting a fellow-mortal, learn at a glance to distinguish the history of the man, and the trade or profession to which he belongs. Puerile as such an exercise may seem, it sharpens the faculties of observation, and teaches one where to look and what to look for. By a man’s finger nails, by his coat-sleeve, by his boot, by his trouser knees, by the callosities of his forefinger and thumb, by his expression, by his shirt cuffs - by each of these things a man’s calling is plainly revealed. That all united should fail to enlighten the competent enquirer in any case is almost inconceivable.”

Português → “What ineffable twaddle!” I cried, slapping the magazine down on the table, “I never read such rubbish in my life.”

“What is it?” asked Sherlock Holmes.

“Why, this article,” I said, pointing at it with my egg spoon as I sat down to my breakfast. “I see that you have read it since you have marked it. I don’t deny that it is smartly written. It irritates me though. It is evidently the theory of some armchair lounger who evolves all these neat little paradoxes in the seclusion of his own study. It is not practical. I should like to see him clapped down in a third class carriage on the Underground, and asked to give the trades of all his fellow-travellers. I would lay a thousand to one against him.”

“You would lose your money,” Sherlock Holmes remarked calmly. “As for the article, I wrote it myself.”

“You!”

“Yes, I have a turn both for observation and for deduction. The theories which I have expressed there, and which appear to you to be so chimerical are really extremely practical - so practical that I depend upon them for my bread and cheese.”

Português → “And how?” I asked involuntarily.

“Well, I have a trade of my own. I suppose I am the only one in the world. I’m a consulting detective, if you can understand what that is. Here in London we have lots of Government detectives and lots of private ones. When these fellows are at fault they come to me, and I manage to put them on the right scent. They lay all the evidence before me, and I am generally able, by the help of my knowledge of the history of crime, to set them straight. There is a strong family resemblance about misdeeds, and if you have all the details of a thousand at your finger ends, it is odd if you can’t unravel the thousand and first. Lestrade is a well-known detective. He got himself into a fog recently over a forgery case, and that was what brought him here.”

“And these other people?”

“They are mostly sent on by private inquiry agencies. They are all people who are in trouble about something, and want a little enlightening. I listen to their story, they listen to my comments, and then I pocket my fee.”

Português → “But do you mean to say,” I said, “that without leaving your room you can unravel some knot which other men can make nothing of, although they have seen every detail for themselves?”

“Quite so. I have a kind of intuition that way. Now and again a case turns up which is a little more complex. Then I have to bustle about and see things with my own eyes. You see I have a lot of special knowledge which I apply to the problem, and which facilitates matters wonderfully. Those rules of deduction laid down in that article which aroused your scorn, are invaluable to me in practical work. Observation with me is second nature. You appeared to be surprised when I told you, on our first meeting, that you had come from Afghanistan.”

“You were told, no doubt.”

Português → “Nothing of the sort. I knew you came from Afghanistan. From long habit the train of thoughts ran so swiftly through my mind, that I arrived at the conclusion without being conscious of intermediate steps. There were such steps, however. The train of reasoning ran, ‘Here is a gentleman of a medical type, but with the air of a military man. Clearly an army doctor, then. He has just come from the tropics, for his face is dark, and that is not the natural tint of his skin, for his wrists are fair. He has undergone hardship and sickness, as his haggard face says clearly. His left arm has been injured. He holds it in a stiff and unnatural manner. Where in the tropics could an English army doctor have seen much hardship and got his arm wounded? Clearly in Afghanistan.’ The whole train of thought did not occupy a second. I then remarked that you came from Afghanistan, and you were astonished.”

“It is simple enough as you explain it,” I said, smiling. “You remind me of Edgar Allan Poe’s Dupin. I had no idea that such individuals did exist outside of stories.”

Português → Sherlock Holmes rose and lit his pipe. “No doubt you think that you are complimenting me in comparing me to Dupin,” he observed. “Now, in my opinion, Dupin was a very inferior fellow. That trick of his of breaking in on his friends’ thoughts with an apropos remark after a quarter of an hour’s silence is really very showy and superficial. He had some analytical genius, no doubt; but he was by no means such a phenomenon as Poe appeared to imagine.”

“Have you read Gaboriau’s works?” I asked. “Does Lecoq come up to your idea of a detective?”

Sherlock Holmes sniffed sardonically. “Lecoq was a miserable bungler,” he said, in an angry voice; “he had only one thing to recommend him, and that was his energy. That book made me positively ill. The question was how to identify an unknown prisoner. I could have done it in twenty-four hours. Lecoq took six months or so. It might be made a textbook for detectives to teach them what to avoid.”

Português → I felt rather indignant at having two characters whom I had admired treated in this cavalier style. I walked over to the window, and stood looking out into the busy street. “This fellow may be very clever,” I said to myself, “but he is certainly very conceited.”

“There are no crimes and no criminals in these days,” he said, querulously. “What is the use of having brains in our profession? I know well that I have it in me to make my name famous. No man lives or has ever lived who has brought the same amount of study and of natural talent to the detection of crime which I have done. And what is the result? There is no crime to detect, or, at most, some bungling villainy with a motive so transparent that even a Scotland Yard official can see through it.”

I was still annoyed at his bumptious style of conversation. I thought it best to change the topic.

“I wonder what that fellow is looking for?” I asked, pointing to a stalwart, plainly-dressed individual who was walking slowly down the other side of the street, looking anxiously at the numbers. He had a large blue envelope in his hand, and was evidently the bearer of a message.

Português → “You mean the retired sergeant of Marines,” said Sherlock Holmes.

“Brag and bounce!” thought I to myself. “He knows that I cannot verify his guess.”

The thought had hardly passed through my mind when the man whom we were watching caught sight of the number on our door, and ran rapidly across the roadway. We heard a loud knock, a deep voice below, and heavy steps ascending the stair.

“For Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” he said, stepping into the room and handing my friend the letter.

Here was an opportunity of taking the conceit out of him. He little thought of this when he made that random shot. “May I ask, my lad,” I said, in the blandest voice, “what your trade may be?”

“Commissionaire, sir,” he said, gruffly. “Uniform away for repairs.”

“And you were?” I asked, with a slightly malicious glance at my companion.

“A sergeant, sir, Royal Marine Light Infantry, sir. No answer? Right, sir.”

Português → He clicked his heels together, raised his hand in a salute, and was gone.

The Lauriston Gardens Mystery

Português → I confess that I was considerably startled by this fresh proof of the practical nature of my companion’s theories. My respect for his powers of analysis increased wondrously. There still remained some lurking suspicion in my mind, however, that the whole thing was a prearranged episode, intended to dazzle me, though what earthly object he could have in taking me in was past my comprehension. When I looked at him he had finished reading the note, and his eyes had assumed the vacant, lacklustre expression which showed mental abstraction.

“How in the world did you deduce that?” I asked.

“Deduce what?” said he, petulantly.

“Why, that he was a retired sergeant of Marines.”

“I have no time for trifles,” he answered, brusquely; then with a smile, “Excuse my rudeness. You broke the thread of my thoughts; but perhaps it is as well. So you actually were not able to see that that man was a sergeant of Marines?”

“No, indeed.”

Português → “It was easier to know it than to explain why I knew it. If you were asked to prove that two and two made four, you might find some difficulty, and yet you are quite sure of the fact. Even across the street I could see a great blue anchor tattooed on the back of the fellow’s hand. That smacked of the sea. He had a military carriage, however, and regulation side whiskers. There we have the marine. He was a man with some amount of self-importance and a certain air of command. You must have observed the way in which he held his head and swung his cane. A steady, respectable, middle-aged man, too, on the face of him - all facts which led me to believe that he had been a sergeant.”

Versão em Português B1

1. Sr. Sherlock Holmes

2. A Ciência da Dedução

3. O Mistério dos Jardins Lauriston

Contents

Sr. Sherlock Holmes

English → Em 1878, obtive meu diploma de Doutor em Medicina pela Universidade de Londres e depois fui para Netley, a fim de me preparar como cirurgião do exército. Quando terminei o treinamento, fui enviado como Cirurgião-Assistente para o Quinto Regimento de Fuzileiros de Northumberland. O regimento estava na Índia, mas, antes que eu pudesse me juntar a ele, a Segunda Guerra Afegã começou. Quando desembarquei em Bombaim, soube que minha unidade já havia atravessado os desfiladeiros e avançado profundamente em território inimigo. Fui atrás deles com muitos outros oficiais que estavam na mesma situação e cheguei em segurança a Candahar, onde encontrei meu regimento e comecei imediatamente meu novo trabalho.

English → A guerra trouxe sucesso e promoções para muitas pessoas, mas, para mim, trouxe apenas azar e desastre. Fui transferido da minha brigada para os Berkshires e servi com eles na terrível batalha de Maiwand. Ali, uma bala de jezail me atingiu no ombro. Ela quebrou o osso e passou muito perto da artéria subclávia. Eu teria sido capturado pelos cruéis ghazis se meu ordenança, Murray, não tivesse demonstrado grande lealdade e coragem. Ele me colocou sobre um cavalo de carga e me levou em segurança até as linhas britânicas.

English → Eu sentia muita dor e estava muito fraco depois de tantos dias difíceis. Por isso, fui levado com muitos outros feridos ao hospital da base em Peshawar. Ali comecei a me recuperar, consegui andar pelas enfermarias e até descansar um pouco na varanda. Então fui atingido pela febre entérica, uma doença grave na Índia. Durante meses, todos pensaram que eu poderia morrer. Por fim, despertei e comecei a melhorar, mas ainda estava muito fraco e magro. Uma junta médica decidiu que eu deveria ser enviado imediatamente de volta à Inglaterra. Assim, embarquei no navio de transporte de tropas Orontes e cheguei ao cais de Portsmouth um mês depois, com a saúde gravemente abalada, mas com permissão para passar os nove meses seguintes tentando me recuperar.

English → Eu não tinha família na Inglaterra, portanto era livre como o ar, ou tão livre quanto uma renda de onze xelins e seis pence por dia podia tornar um homem. Por isso, fui naturalmente para Londres, a enorme cidade onde se reúnem muitas pessoas ociosas vindas de todo o Império. Durante algum tempo, fiquei em um hotel particular no Strand, levando uma vida infeliz e vazia e gastando meu dinheiro com mais liberdade do que deveria. Logo minhas economias diminuíram perigosamente, e percebi que teria de deixar Londres e morar no campo ou mudar por completo meu modo de vida. Escolhi mudar e decidi primeiro sair do hotel e procurar quartos mais baratos em um lugar menos elegante.

English → No mesmo dia em que tomei essa decisão, eu estava no Criterion Bar quando alguém tocou meu ombro. Virei-me e vi o jovem Stamford, que havia trabalhado sob minhas ordens no Barts. Para um homem solitário, encontrar um rosto amigo na grande cidade de Londres era algo muito agradável. No passado, Stamford não fora um amigo íntimo, mas agora eu o cumprimentei com entusiasmo, e ele também pareceu feliz em me ver. Em minha alegria, convidei-o para almoçar comigo no Holborn, e partimos juntos em um hansom.

“O que você tem feito da vida, Watson?”, perguntou ele, claramente surpreso, enquanto avançávamos depressa pelas movimentadas ruas de Londres. “Você está magro como um graveto e moreno como uma noz.”

Contei-lhe brevemente minhas aventuras e mal havia terminado quando chegamos ao nosso destino.

English → “Pobre amigo!”, disse ele com bondade depois de ouvir meus problemas. “O que você está fazendo agora?”

“Procurando quartos para alugar”, respondi. “Estou tentando descobrir se é possível encontrar quartos confortáveis por um preço justo.”

“Que estranho”, disse meu companheiro. “Você é o segundo homem que usa essa mesma expressão comigo hoje.”

“E quem foi o primeiro?”, perguntei.

“Um homem que trabalha no laboratório de química do hospital. Esta manhã, ele estava aborrecido porque não conseguia encontrar ninguém para dividir alguns quartos agradáveis que havia encontrado, e o aluguel era alto demais para ele.”

“Por Jove!”, exclamei. “Se ele realmente quer alguém para dividir os quartos e as despesas, eu sou a pessoa certa. Prefiro ter um companheiro a morar sozinho.”

O jovem Stamford olhou para mim de modo estranho por cima da taça de vinho. “Você ainda não conhece Sherlock Holmes”, disse ele. “Talvez não o quisesse como companheiro permanente.”

English → “Ora, o que há de errado com ele?”

“Ah, eu não disse que havia algo de errado com ele. Suas ideias são um pouco estranhas, e ele se interessa muito por algumas áreas da ciência. Até onde sei, é um sujeito bastante bom.”

“Um estudante de medicina, suponho?”, perguntei.

“Não, não sei o que ele pretende fazer. Acho que conhece bem anatomia e é um químico de primeira classe. Mas, até onde sei, nunca frequentou nenhum curso regular de medicina. Ele estuda de maneira dispersa e incomum, porém aprendeu muitas coisas fora do comum que surpreenderiam seus professores.”

“Você nunca lhe perguntou que carreira queria seguir?”, perguntei.

“Não. Não é fácil conversar com ele, embora possa falar livremente quando tem vontade.”

“Eu gostaria de conhecê-lo”, disse eu. “Se vou morar com alguém, prefiro um homem tranquilo que goste de estudar. Ainda não estou forte o bastante para muito barulho ou agitação. Tive de ambos mais do que o suficiente no Afeganistão para o resto da vida. Como posso conhecer esse seu amigo?”

English → “Ele com certeza estará no laboratório”, disse meu companheiro. “Ou fica semanas sem aparecer, ou trabalha lá da manhã à noite. Se quiser, podemos ir juntos até lá depois do almoço.”

“Certamente”, respondi, e então nossa conversa passou a outros assuntos.

Depois que saímos do Holborn e seguimos a pé em direção ao hospital, Stamford me deu mais detalhes sobre o homem com quem eu pretendia morar.

“Você não deve me culpar se não se der bem com ele”, disse. “Não sei nada além do que descobri ao encontrá-lo de vez em quando no laboratório. A ideia foi sua, portanto não me responsabilize.”

“Se não nos dermos bem, poderemos facilmente deixar de morar juntos”, respondi. “Stamford”, acrescentei, olhando-o atentamente, “parece-me que você quer evitar esse assunto. Esse homem tem um temperamento tão ruim assim, ou o quê? Não esconda nada de mim.”

English → “É difícil descrever o que não pode ser descrito”, disse ele, rindo. “Holmes é um pouco científico demais para mim. Parece quase insensível. Eu poderia imaginá-lo dando a um amigo uma pequena dose do veneno de uma planta nova, não porque quisesse lhe fazer mal, mas porque desejaria saber exatamente o que ela provoca. E acho que ele próprio a tomaria com a mesma disposição. Ele parece amar o conhecimento exato e seguro.”

“Sim, isso é verdade.”

“Sim, mas isso pode ir longe demais. Quando o leva a bater com uma vara nos corpos das salas de dissecação, certamente está se tornando estranho.”

“Bater nos corpos!”

“Sim, para verificar até que ponto podem surgir hematomas depois da morte. Eu o vi fazer isso com meus próprios olhos.”

“E mesmo assim você diz que ele não é estudante de medicina?”

English → “Não. Só Deus sabe o que ele estuda. Mas chegamos, e você terá de julgá-lo por si mesmo.” Enquanto falava, entramos em uma viela estreita e passamos por uma pequena porta lateral que dava para uma ala do grande hospital. Eu conhecia bem aquele lugar e não precisava de guia. Subimos a fria escadaria de pedra e percorremos um longo corredor de paredes brancas e portas de cores apagadas. Perto da extremidade oposta, uma passagem baixa e arqueada se separava do corredor e levava ao laboratório de química.

Era uma sala grande, cercada e abarrotada de muitas garrafas. Mesas largas e baixas estavam dispostas ao redor, cobertas de retortas, tubos de ensaio e pequenos bicos de Bunsen com chamas azuis. Havia apenas um estudante na sala. Ele estava curvado sobre uma mesa na outra extremidade, profundamente ocupado com seu trabalho. Ao ouvir nossos passos, virou-se e se levantou de um salto, soltando um grito de alegria. “Encontrei! Encontrei!”, exclamou, correndo em nossa direção com um tubo de ensaio na mão. “Descobri um reagente que precipita com a hemoglobina e com nenhuma outra substância.” Seu rosto mostrava mais alegria do que se tivesse encontrado uma mina de ouro.

English → “Dr. Watson, Sr. Sherlock Holmes”, disse Stamford, apresentando-nos.

“Como vai?”, disse ele com cordialidade, apertando minha mão com uma força que eu não esperava. “Vejo que esteve no Afeganistão.”

“Como diabos soube disso?”, perguntei, muito surpreso.

“Não importa”, disse ele, rindo consigo mesmo. “A verdadeira questão é a hemoglobina. Você percebe a importância da minha descoberta, não percebe?”

“Sem dúvida é interessante para a química”, respondi, “mas, na prática...”

English → “Meu caro, é a descoberta médico-legal mais útil dos últimos anos. Não percebe que ela nos oferece um teste seguro para manchas de sangue? Venha até aqui!” Em sua empolgação, agarrou a manga do meu casaco e me puxou até a mesa em que estivera trabalhando. “Vamos usar um pouco de sangue fresco”, disse. Furou o dedo com uma agulha comprida e recolheu uma gota com uma pipeta química. “Agora acrescento esta pequena quantidade de sangue a um litro de água. Como pode ver, a mistura parece água pura. A proporção de sangue não passa de uma parte em um milhão. Ainda assim, tenho certeza de que obteremos a reação correta.” Enquanto falava, colocou alguns cristais brancos no recipiente e depois acrescentou algumas gotas de um líquido transparente. Imediatamente, o líquido adquiriu uma cor marrom opaca, e um pó marrom se depositou no fundo do frasco de vidro.

English → “Ha! Ha!”, exclamou, batendo palmas e parecendo tão feliz quanto uma criança com um brinquedo novo. “O que acha disso?”

“Parece ser um teste muito preciso”, disse eu.

“Magnífico! Magnífico! O antigo teste de guáiaco era desajeitado e nem sempre seguro. O exame microscópico das células sanguíneas também não serve, pois não funciona quando as manchas têm algumas horas. Este novo teste, porém, parece funcionar tanto com sangue antigo quanto com sangue fresco. Se tivesse sido inventado antes, centenas de homens que ainda estão vivos já teriam pagado por seus crimes há muito tempo.”

“De fato!”, disse eu em voz baixa.

“Muitos casos criminais dependem desse único ponto. Um homem pode se tornar suspeito meses depois de um crime. Então suas roupas são examinadas e encontram-se manchas marrons. São de sangue, lama, ferrugem, fruta ou alguma outra coisa? Muitos especialistas ficaram confusos diante dessa pergunta. Por quê? Porque não existia um teste em que pudessem confiar. Agora temos o teste de Sherlock Holmes, e esse problema desaparecerá.”

English → Enquanto falava, seus olhos brilhavam intensamente. Ele pôs a mão sobre o coração e fez uma reverência, como se, em sua imaginação, uma multidão aplaudisse diante dele.

“Você merece parabéns”, disse eu, muito surpreso com seu entusiasmo.

“Houve o caso de Von Bischoff em Frankfurt, no ano passado. Ele certamente teria sido enforcado se este teste existisse. Depois houve Mason, de Bradford, o famoso Muller, Lefevre, de Montpellier, e Samson, de Nova Orleans. Eu poderia citar vinte casos em que ele teria esclarecido a resposta.”

Stamford riu. “Você é como um calendário ambulante do crime. Poderia lançar um jornal com essa ideia. Chame-o de As Notícias Policiais do Passado.”

“E seria uma leitura interessante”, disse Sherlock Holmes, colocando um pequeno pedaço de esparadrapo sobre o furo no dedo. “Preciso ter cuidado”, disse-me com um sorriso, “porque trabalho frequentemente com venenos.” Estendeu a mão, e vi que estava coberta de pequenos pedaços de esparadrapo e marcada por ácidos fortes.

English → “Viemos aqui tratar de um assunto”, disse Stamford. Sentou-se em um banco alto de três pernas e empurrou outro em minha direção com o pé. “Meu amigo está procurando um lugar para morar. Você disse que não conseguia encontrar ninguém com quem dividir os quartos, por isso achei que deveria apresentá-los.”

Sherlock Holmes pareceu muito satisfeito com a ideia de dividir seus quartos comigo. “Encontrei um conjunto de quartos na Baker Street”, disse ele, “e seriam muito adequados para nós. Espero que não se incomode com o cheiro de tabaco forte?”

“Eu mesmo sempre fumo tabaco de marinheiro”, respondi.

“Ótimo. Costumo manter produtos químicos por perto e às vezes faço experiências. Isso o incomodaria?”

“De modo algum.”

“Vejamos... que outros defeitos tenho? Às vezes fico muito abatido e então passo dias sem falar. Não pense que estou zangado quando isso acontecer. Apenas me deixe em paz, e logo ficarei bem. Agora, quais são os seus defeitos? É melhor que dois homens conheçam os piores aspectos um do outro antes de começarem a morar juntos.”

English → Ri de suas perguntas. “Tenho um buldogue”, disse. “Não gosto de barulho porque meus nervos estão abalados. Levanto-me nos horários mais terríveis e sou muito preguiçoso. Quando estou bem, tenho outros maus hábitos, mas esses são os principais no momento.”

“Você considera o som do violino um barulho?”, perguntou ele, ansioso.

“Depende de quem toca”, respondi. “Um violino bem tocado é um prazer para os deuses. Um mal tocado...”

“Ah, então está tudo bem”, exclamou ele com uma risada alegre. “Acho que podemos considerar o assunto resolvido, se os quartos lhe agradarem.”

“Quando iremos vê-los?”

“Venha aqui amanhã ao meio-dia, e iremos juntos resolver tudo”, respondeu.

“Está bem, ao meio-dia em ponto”, disse eu, apertando-lhe a mão.

Deixamo-lo trabalhando com seus produtos químicos e caminhamos juntos em direção ao meu hotel.

English → “A propósito”, perguntei de repente, parando e me voltando para Stamford, “como diabos ele soube que eu havia voltado do Afeganistão?”

Meu companheiro sorriu de maneira estranha. “Esse é apenas um de seus hábitos especiais”, disse. “Muitas pessoas já quiseram saber como ele chega às suas conclusões.”

“Ah! É um mistério?”, exclamei, esfregando as mãos. “Isso é muito interessante. Sou muito grato por você nos ter apresentado. ‘O estudo adequado da humanidade é o homem’, como sabe.”

“Então terá de estudá-lo”, disse Stamford ao se despedir de mim. “Mas descobrirá que ele é um problema difícil. Acho que ele aprenderá mais sobre você do que você sobre ele. Adeus.”

“Adeus”, respondi, e segui até meu hotel, muito interessado em meu novo conhecido.

A Ciência da Dedução

English → Encontramo-nos no dia seguinte, conforme ele havia planejado, e fomos ver os quartos no número 221B da Baker Street, que mencionara antes. Havia dois quartos de dormir confortáveis e uma sala de estar grande e arejada. Era bem mobiliada e tinha duas janelas largas. Os aposentos eram muito bons, e o aluguel pareceu justo quando dividido entre nós. Assim, concordamos imediatamente e nos mudamos. Naquela noite, trouxe minhas coisas do hotel, e, na manhã seguinte, Sherlock Holmes chegou com várias caixas e malas. Durante um ou dois dias, ficamos ocupados desfazendo as malas e organizando nossos pertences. Depois disso, aos poucos nos instalamos e nos acostumamos ao novo lar.

English → Não era difícil morar com Holmes. Ele era tranquilo e tinha hábitos regulares. Raramente ficava acordado depois das dez da noite e sempre tomava o café da manhã e saía antes que eu me levantasse. Às vezes passava o dia em um laboratório de química, outras vezes nas salas de dissecação e, em outras ocasiões, fazia longas caminhadas pelos bairros pobres da City. Quando estava trabalhando, sua energia era enorme. Mas às vezes se cansava de repente e passava dias deitado no sofá, quase sem falar nem se mover. Nessas ocasiões, seus olhos assumiam uma expressão sonhadora e vazia. Eu poderia ter pensado que usava alguma droga, se toda a sua vida não fosse tão limpa e controlada.

English → À medida que as semanas passavam, meu interesse por ele aumentava, e eu ficava mais curioso a respeito de seus objetivos na vida. Até sua aparência chamava atenção. Tinha pouco mais de um metro e oitenta, mas era tão magro que parecia mais alto. Seus olhos eram penetrantes, exceto durante os períodos de preguiça. O nariz fino e semelhante ao bico de um falcão lhe dava uma aparência alerta e determinada. Seu queixo era forte e quadrado, revelando força de vontade. Suas mãos geralmente estavam manchadas de tinta e produtos químicos, mas possuíam um toque muito delicado, como observei quando manejava seus frágeis instrumentos.

O leitor talvez me considere muito intrometido quando admito o quanto esse homem despertava minha curiosidade e quantas vezes tentei fazê-lo falar sobre si mesmo. Mas é preciso lembrar que minha vida não tinha um propósito verdadeiro e que eu tinha muito pouco a fazer. Minha saúde me impedia de sair, a menos que o tempo estivesse muito bom, e eu não tinha amigos que me visitassem e quebrassem a rotina monótona dos meus dias. Por isso, recebi com prazer o pequeno mistério que cercava meu companheiro e passei grande parte do tempo tentando resolvê-lo.

English → Ele não estudava medicina. Já havia confirmado a opinião de Stamford a esse respeito. Também não parecia ter frequentado nenhum curso que o levasse a um diploma em ciências ou a qualquer outro caminho reconhecido no mundo acadêmico. Ainda assim, estudava certos assuntos com grande energia e, à sua maneira estranha, conhecia uma quantidade impressionante de detalhes. Isso me surpreendia. Ninguém trabalharia tanto nem aprenderia fatos tão exatos se não tivesse um objetivo claro. As pessoas que leem sem um plano geralmente não são tão precisas. Ninguém enche a mente de pequenos fatos sem uma boa razão.

Sua falta de conhecimento era tão surpreendente quanto aquilo que sabia. Parecia não conhecer quase nada de literatura moderna, filosofia ou política. Quando mencionei Thomas Carlyle, perguntou com toda a inocência quem ele era e o que havia feito. Minha surpresa chegou ao máximo quando descobri que ele desconhecia a Teoria de Copérnico e a estrutura do Sistema Solar. Eu mal conseguia acreditar que uma pessoa instruída do século XIX não soubesse que a Terra gira ao redor do Sol.

English → “Você parece surpreso”, disse ele, sorrindo para mim. “Agora que sei disso, farei o possível para esquecer.”

“Esquecer!”

“Veja”, disse ele, “considero o cérebro de um homem como um pequeno sótão vazio. É preciso preenchê-lo com as coisas que se escolhem. Um tolo guarda toda coisa inútil que encontra, de modo que o conhecimento útil acaba expulso ou fica tão misturado que ele não consegue encontrá-lo quando precisa. Um trabalhador habilidoso escolhe com muito cuidado o que coloca no sótão de seu cérebro. Conserva apenas as ferramentas que ajudam em seu trabalho, mas possui muitas delas e as mantém em perfeita ordem. É um erro pensar que o sótão pode crescer sem limites. Mais cedo ou mais tarde, cada novo fato nos faz esquecer algum outro. Por isso, os fatos inúteis não devem afastar os úteis.”

“Mas o Sistema Solar!”, exclamei.

English → “Que importância isso tem para mim?”, disse ele, impaciente. “Você diz que giramos ao redor do Sol. Se girássemos ao redor da Lua, isso não faria diferença alguma para mim nem para o meu trabalho.”

Eu estava prestes a lhe perguntar qual era esse trabalho, mas sua maneira de agir me mostrou que a pergunta não seria bem recebida. Ainda assim, pensei em nossa breve conversa e tentei entendê-la. Ele dissera que aprenderia apenas o que ajudasse em seu objetivo. Portanto, tudo o que sabia devia lhe ser útil. Fiz uma lista das coisas que ele parecia conhecer muito bem e até as anotei a lápis. Quando terminei, não pude deixar de sorrir. A lista era assim:

Quando cheguei a esse ponto da lista, atirei-a ao fogo em desespero. “Se só conseguirei descobrir o objetivo desse sujeito reunindo todas essas habilidades e encontrando um trabalho que exija cada uma delas”, disse a mim mesmo, “é melhor desistir de tentar agora mesmo.”

English → Já mencionei sua habilidade com o violino. Era extraordinária, mas tão estranha quanto os demais talentos que possuía. Eu sabia que ele conseguia tocar peças difíceis, pois, a meu pedido, tocara alguns dos Lieder de Mendelssohn e outras obras de que eu gostava. Quando estava sozinho, porém, raramente tocava música de verdade. À noite, recostava-se na poltrona, fechava os olhos e passava o arco sem cuidado pelas cordas do violino apoiado no joelho. Às vezes, as notas eram profundas e tristes. Em outras ocasiões, eram estranhas e alegres. Pareciam acompanhar seus pensamentos, mas eu não conseguia saber se a música o ajudava a pensar ou era apenas um capricho passageiro. Esses solos intermináveis poderiam ter me irritado, se ele não costumasse encerrá-los tocando uma série inteira de minhas melodias favoritas, como uma pequena recompensa por minha paciência.

English → Durante a primeira semana, mais ou menos, não recebemos visitas, e comecei a pensar que meu companheiro não tinha amigos, assim como eu. Logo, porém, descobri que ele possuía muitos conhecidos de setores muito diferentes da sociedade. Um deles era um homem baixo, moreno e de rosto afilado chamado Sr. Lestrade, que apareceu três ou quatro vezes em uma única semana. Certa manhã, uma jovem elegantemente vestida nos visitou e ficou por meia hora ou mais. Naquela mesma tarde, veio um homem grisalho e malvestido, que parecia um vendedor judeu e demonstrava grande agitação; pouco depois, uma senhora mais velha e desalinhada o seguiu. Em outro dia, um cavalheiro idoso de cabelos brancos se reuniu com meu companheiro; em outro, veio um carregador ferroviário com seu uniforme de veludo. Sempre que essas pessoas estranhas chegavam, Sherlock Holmes pedia para usar a sala de estar, e eu me retirava para meu quarto. Ele sempre se desculpava pelo incômodo. “Preciso usar esta sala como local de trabalho”, dizia, “e essas pessoas são meus clientes.” Mais uma vez, tive vontade de lhe perguntar diretamente sobre o assunto, mas não o forcei a falar. Imaginei que tivesse algum forte motivo para guardar silêncio, mas logo ele próprio mudou essa situação ao tocar no assunto.

English → No dia 4 de março, uma data de que me lembro bem, levantei-me um pouco mais cedo que de costume e descobri que Sherlock Holmes ainda não terminara o café da manhã. A senhoria havia se acostumado aos meus hábitos tardios, portanto meu lugar não estava preparado e meu café não estava pronto. Irritado, toquei a campainha e disse, de maneira brusca, que já estava à espera. Então peguei uma revista e tentei passar o tempo enquanto meu companheiro comia sua torrada em silêncio. O título de um dos artigos estava marcado a lápis, e naturalmente comecei a lê-lo.

English → Seu título ousado era “O Livro da Vida”, e o artigo tentava mostrar quanto um homem observador poderia aprender estudando com cuidado e método tudo ao seu redor. Para mim, parecia ao mesmo tempo inteligente e ridículo. O raciocínio era perspicaz, mas as conclusões pareciam forçadas e exageradas. O autor dizia que, por meio de um rápido olhar, do movimento de um músculo ou de um relance dos olhos, conseguia compreender os pensamentos mais profundos de um homem. Afirmava que um observador treinado não podia ser enganado. Suas conclusões, dizia ele, eram tão seguras quanto as proposições de Euclides. Para quem não conhecesse seus métodos, os resultados pareceriam tão extraordinários que poderiam levá-lo a pensar que fosse um mágico.

English → “A partir de uma gota d'água”, dizia o autor, “um pensador poderia supor a possibilidade de um Atlântico ou de um Niágara, mesmo sem jamais tê-los visto ou ouvido falar deles. Assim, toda a vida é uma grande corrente e, se conhecermos um de seus elos, poderemos compreender a natureza do conjunto. Como qualquer arte, a Ciência da Dedução e da Análise só pode ser aprendida por meio de um estudo longo e paciente, e nenhuma vida humana é extensa o bastante para alcançar nela uma habilidade perfeita. Antes de passar aos problemas morais e mentais, que são os mais difíceis, o estudante deve começar pelos mais simples. Ao encontrar outra pessoa, deve aprender imediatamente a identificar sua história e seu ofício ou profissão. Isso pode parecer infantil, mas aguça a observação e ensina onde e como olhar. A ocupação de um homem aparece claramente em suas unhas, na manga do casaco, na bota, nos joelhos das calças, na pele endurecida do indicador e do polegar, no rosto e nos punhos da camisa. É quase impossível que todos esses sinais, em conjunto, deixem de revelar a um bom observador aquilo que ele precisa saber.”

English → “Que completo absurdo!”, exclamei, atirando a revista sobre a mesa. “Nunca li tamanha bobagem em toda a minha vida.”

“O que foi?”, perguntou Sherlock Holmes.

“Este artigo”, disse eu, apontando para ele com a colher de ovo enquanto me sentava para tomar o café da manhã. “Vejo que você o leu, pois o marcou. Não nego que seja bem escrito. Mas ele me irrita. É claramente obra de algum pensador de poltrona, criando pequenos paradoxos bem-arrumados em seu gabinete. Não é prático. Gostaria de vê-lo colocado em um vagão de terceira classe do metrô e obrigado a dizer a profissão de todos os outros passageiros. Eu apostaria mil contra um contra ele.”

“Você perderia seu dinheiro”, disse Sherlock Holmes calmamente. “Quanto ao artigo, fui eu quem o escreveu.”

“Você!”

“Sim, tenho talento tanto para a observação quanto para a dedução. As ideias que escrevi ali talvez lhe pareçam impossíveis, mas são muito úteis. É delas que tiro meu sustento.”

English → “E como?”, perguntei imediatamente.

“Bem, tenho meu próprio trabalho. Suponho que seja o único no mundo. Sou um detetive consultor, se sabe o que isso significa. Aqui em Londres há muitos detetives do Governo e muitos particulares. Quando não conseguem resolver um caso, vêm até mim, e eu os ajudo a encontrar a resposta certa. Eles me apresentam todas as provas, e geralmente consigo colocar as coisas em ordem usando meu conhecimento da história do crime. Os delitos costumam seguir os mesmos padrões. Quando se conhecem os detalhes de mil casos, seria estranho não conseguir resolver o milésimo primeiro. Lestrade é um detetive conhecido. Recentemente, ficou confuso diante de um caso de falsificação, e foi isso que o trouxe aqui.”

“E essas outras pessoas?”

“A maioria chega por intermédio de agências particulares. São pessoas que têm algum problema e querem ajuda. Ouço sua história, elas ouvem meu conselho, e então recebo meus honorários.”

English → “Mas quer dizer”, perguntei, “que, sem sair desta sala, você consegue resolver um problema que outros homens não conseguem compreender, mesmo depois de terem visto pessoalmente todos os detalhes?”

“Sim, exatamente. Tenho uma espécie de instinto para isso. Às vezes, um caso é mais complicado, e então preciso sair e examinar as coisas pessoalmente. Possuo conhecimentos especiais que uso para resolver o problema, e eles ajudam muito. As regras de dedução apresentadas naquele artigo, das quais você zombou, são muito úteis no trabalho real. Estou acostumado a observar as coisas. Você ficou surpreso quando lhe disse, em nosso primeiro encontro, que havia voltado do Afeganistão.”

“Suponho que alguém tenha lhe contado.”

English → “De modo algum. Eu sabia que você tinha vindo do Afeganistão. O longo hábito fez meus pensamentos avançarem tão depressa que cheguei à resposta sem perceber as etapas. Mas houve etapas. Pensei: ‘Aqui está um cavalheiro com aparência de médico, mas também de soldado. Portanto, é um médico do exército. Acaba de voltar dos trópicos, pois seu rosto está escuro, mas seus pulsos são claros, então essa cor não é natural. Parece cansado e doente, portanto passou por dificuldades. Seu braço esquerdo foi ferido. Ele o mantém rígido. Em que lugar dos trópicos um médico do exército inglês poderia ter sofrido tanto e sido ferido no braço? Evidentemente, no Afeganistão.’ Tudo isso levou menos de um segundo. Então eu disse que você havia voltado do Afeganistão, e você ficou espantado.”

“Parece bastante fácil quando você explica”, disse eu, sorrindo. “Você me faz lembrar Dupin, de Edgar Allan Poe. Eu não sabia que pessoas assim existiam fora das histórias.”

English → Sherlock Holmes se levantou e acendeu o cachimbo. “Talvez pense que está me elogiando ao me comparar com Dupin”, disse ele. “Mas considero Dupin muito menos habilidoso. Seu truque de interromper os pensamentos dos amigos depois de quinze minutos de silêncio parece inteligente, mas na verdade é apenas exibicionismo. Ele possuía certo talento para a análise, é claro, porém não era a grande maravilha que Poe parecia imaginar.”

“Você leu os livros de Gaboriau?”, perguntei. “Lecoq corresponde à sua ideia de um detetive?”

Sherlock Holmes soltou um resmungo frio e grosseiro. “Lecoq era um pobre fracassado”, disse com irritação. “A única coisa boa nele era sua energia. Aquele livro me deu náuseas. O problema era identificar um prisioneiro desconhecido. Eu poderia ter feito isso em vinte e quatro horas. Lecoq levou cerca de seis meses. O livro deveria servir para ensinar aos detetives o que devem evitar.”

English → Fiquei irritado por ele falar com tanto desprezo de dois personagens que eu admirava. Fui até a janela e olhei para a rua movimentada. “Este homem pode ser muito inteligente”, pensei, “mas sem dúvida é muito arrogante.”

“Hoje em dia não há crimes nem criminosos”, disse ele em tom aborrecido. “Para que serve a inteligência em nosso trabalho? Sei que poderia me tornar famoso. Ninguém que vive hoje, nem ninguém que já tenha vivido, dedicou ao estudo e à capacidade natural para a investigação de crimes tanto quanto eu. E o que recebo em troca? Nenhum crime verdadeiro para resolver, ou apenas delitos tolos, com motivos tão claros que até um policial da Scotland Yard consegue enxergá-los.”

Eu ainda estava irritado com sua maneira orgulhosa de falar. Decidi mudar de assunto.

“Gostaria de saber o que aquele homem está procurando”, disse eu, apontando para um homem forte, em roupas comuns, que caminhava devagar do outro lado da rua e examinava, preocupado, os números das casas. Trazia um grande envelope azul na mão e parecia estar entregando uma mensagem.

English → “Você se refere ao sargento reformado dos Fuzileiros Navais”, disse Sherlock Holmes.

“Exibido!”, pensei. “Ele sabe que não posso verificar seu palpite.”

Eu mal havia terminado esse pensamento quando o homem que observávamos viu o número de nossa porta e atravessou a rua correndo. Ouvimos uma batida forte, uma voz grave no andar de baixo e passos pesados subindo a escada.

“Para o Sr. Sherlock Holmes”, disse ele. Entrou na sala e entregou a carta ao meu amigo.

Era uma oportunidade de diminuir seu orgulho. Ele não esperava por isso quando dera aquele palpite feliz. “Posso perguntar, meu rapaz”, disse eu com toda a educação que consegui, “qual é a sua ocupação?”

“Mensageiro, senhor”, respondeu com voz áspera. “O uniforme está no conserto.”

“E o que você era antes?”, perguntei, lançando um olhar um tanto maldoso para meu companheiro.

“Sargento, senhor, na Infantaria Ligeira dos Fuzileiros Navais Reais, senhor. Nenhuma resposta? Muito bem, senhor.”

English → Ele bateu os calcanhares, ergueu a mão em continência e saiu.

O Mistério dos Jardins Lauriston

English → Devo admitir que fiquei muito surpreso com essa nova prova das ideias práticas de meu companheiro. Meu respeito por sua capacidade de análise aumentou muito. Ainda assim, restava-me uma pequena dúvida de que tudo tivesse sido planejado para me impressionar, embora eu não compreendesse por que ele desejaria me enganar. Quando olhei para ele, já havia terminado de ler o bilhete, e seus olhos tinham a expressão vazia e apagada de alguém mergulhado em pensamentos.

“Como diabos você descobriu aquilo?”, perguntei.

“Deduzir o quê?”, disse ele, aborrecido.

“Que ele era um sargento reformado dos Fuzileiros Navais.”

“Não tenho tempo para ninharias”, respondeu bruscamente. Então sorriu. “Desculpe a grosseria. Você interrompeu meus pensamentos, mas talvez não haja problema. Então realmente não percebeu que o homem era sargento dos Fuzileiros Navais?”

“Não, não percebi.”

English → “Foi mais fácil saber do que explicar como soube. Se lhe pedissem para provar que dois mais dois são quatro, talvez achasse difícil, embora tivesse certeza de que é verdade. Mesmo do outro lado da rua, consegui ver uma grande âncora azul tatuada no dorso da mão do homem. Aquilo indicava o mar. Ele também tinha postura militar e costeletas apropriadas. Portanto, ali estava o fuzileiro naval. Parecia orgulhoso e acostumado a comandar. Você deve ter notado como mantinha a cabeça erguida e balançava a bengala. Também parecia firme, respeitável e de meia-idade. Todos esses fatos me levaram a concluir que havia sido sargento.”

Mr. Sherlock Holmes

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Em 1878, obtive meu diploma de Doutor em Medicina pela Universidade de Londres e depois fui para Netley, a fim de me preparar como cirurgião do exército. Quando terminei o treinamento, fui enviado como Cirurgião-Assistente para o Quinto Regimento de Fuzileiros de Northumberland. O regimento estava na Índia, mas, antes que eu pudesse me juntar a ele, a Segunda Guerra Afegã começou. Quando desembarquei em Bombaim, soube que minha unidade já havia atravessado os desfiladeiros e avançado profundamente em território inimigo. Fui atrás deles com muitos outros oficiais que estavam na mesma situação e cheguei em segurança a Candahar, onde encontrei meu regimento e comecei imediatamente meu novo trabalho.

Original English Version

In the year 1878 I took my degree of Doctor of Medicine of the University of London, and proceeded to Netley to go through the course prescribed for surgeons in the army. Having completed my studies there, I was duly attached to the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers as Assistant Surgeon. The regiment was stationed in India at the time, and before I could join it, the second Afghan war had broken out. On landing at Bombay, I learned that my corps had advanced through the passes, and was already deep in the enemy’s country. I followed, however, with many other officers who were in the same situation as myself, and succeeded in reaching Candahar in safety, where I found my regiment, and at once entered upon my new duties.

Tradução Integral em Português

No ano de 1878, obtive o grau de Doutor em Medicina pela Universidade de Londres e segui para Netley, a fim de cumprir o curso prescrito aos cirurgiões do exército. Concluídos ali os meus estudos, fui devidamente incorporado ao Quinto Regimento de Fuzileiros de Northumberland como cirurgião-assistente. O regimento estava então estacionado na Índia e, antes que eu pudesse juntar-me a ele, irrompera a Segunda Guerra Afegã. Ao desembarcar em Bombaim, soube que o meu corpo avançara pelos desfiladeiros e já penetrara profundamente no território inimigo. Parti em seu encalço, contudo, com muitos outros oficiais na mesma situação que eu, e consegui chegar em segurança a Candahar, onde encontrei o meu regimento e assumi de imediato as minhas novas funções.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

A guerra trouxe sucesso e promoções para muitas pessoas, mas, para mim, trouxe apenas azar e desastre. Fui transferido da minha brigada para os Berkshires e servi com eles na terrível batalha de Maiwand. Ali, uma bala de jezail me atingiu no ombro. Ela quebrou o osso e passou muito perto da artéria subclávia. Eu teria sido capturado pelos cruéis ghazis se meu ordenança, Murray, não tivesse demonstrado grande lealdade e coragem. Ele me colocou sobre um cavalo de carga e me levou em segurança até as linhas britânicas.

Original English Version

The campaign brought honours and promotion to many, but for me it had nothing but misfortune and disaster. I was removed from my brigade and attached to the Berkshires, with whom I served at the fatal battle of Maiwand. There I was struck on the shoulder by a Jezail bullet, which shattered the bone and grazed the subclavian artery. I should have fallen into the hands of the murderous Ghazis had it not been for the devotion and courage shown by Murray, my orderly, who threw me across a packhorse, and succeeded in bringing me safely to the British lines.

Tradução Integral em Português

A campanha trouxe honrarias e promoções a muitos; para mim, porém, trouxe apenas infortúnio e desastre. Fui transferido da minha brigada e incorporado aos Berkshires, com os quais servi na fatal batalha de Maiwand. Ali, uma bala de jezail atingiu-me no ombro, estilhaçando o osso e roçando a artéria subclávia. Eu teria caído nas mãos dos gázis assassinos, não fossem a dedicação e a coragem de Murray, meu ordenança, que me colocou atravessado sobre um cavalo de carga e conseguiu levar-me em segurança até as linhas britânicas.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Eu sentia muita dor e estava muito fraco depois de tantos dias difíceis. Por isso, fui levado com muitos outros feridos ao hospital da base em Peshawar. Ali comecei a me recuperar, consegui andar pelas enfermarias e até descansar um pouco na varanda. Então fui atingido pela febre entérica, uma doença grave na Índia. Durante meses, todos pensaram que eu poderia morrer. Por fim, despertei e comecei a melhorar, mas ainda estava muito fraco e magro. Uma junta médica decidiu que eu deveria ser enviado imediatamente de volta à Inglaterra. Assim, embarquei no navio de transporte de tropas Orontes e cheguei ao cais de Portsmouth um mês depois, com a saúde gravemente abalada, mas com permissão para passar os nove meses seguintes tentando me recuperar.

Original English Version

Worn with pain, and weak from the prolonged hardships which I had undergone, I was removed, with a great train of wounded sufferers, to the base hospital at Peshawar. Here I rallied, and had already improved so far as to be able to walk about the wards, and even to bask a little upon the verandah, when I was struck down by enteric fever, that curse of our Indian possessions. For months my life was despaired of, and when at last I came to myself and became convalescent, I was so weak and emaciated that a medical board determined that not a day should be lost in sending me back to England. I was dispatched, accordingly, in the troopship Orontes, and landed a month later on Portsmouth jetty, with my health irretrievably ruined, but with permission from a paternal government to spend the next nine months in attempting to improve it.

Tradução Integral em Português

Alquebrado pela dor e debilitado pelas prolongadas privações que suportara, fui levado, com um grande comboio de feridos, ao hospital de base de Peshawar. Ali me recuperei e já melhorara a ponto de poder caminhar pelas enfermarias e até tomar um pouco de sol na varanda, quando fui prostrado pela febre entérica, essa maldição das nossas possessões indianas. Durante meses, deram a minha vida por perdida e, quando por fim recobrei os sentidos e entrei em convalescença, estava tão fraco e emaciado que uma junta médica determinou que não se perdesse um só dia em mandar-me de volta à Inglaterra. Fui, portanto, despachado no navio de transporte de tropas Orontes e, um mês depois, desembarquei no cais de Portsmouth, com a saúde irremediavelmente arruinada, mas autorizado por um governo paternal a passar os nove meses seguintes tentando recuperá-la.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Eu não tinha família na Inglaterra, portanto era livre como o ar, ou tão livre quanto uma renda de onze xelins e seis pence por dia podia tornar um homem. Por isso, fui naturalmente para Londres, a enorme cidade onde se reúnem muitas pessoas ociosas vindas de todo o Império. Durante algum tempo, fiquei em um hotel particular no Strand, levando uma vida infeliz e vazia e gastando meu dinheiro com mais liberdade do que deveria. Logo minhas economias diminuíram perigosamente, e percebi que teria de deixar Londres e morar no campo ou mudar por completo meu modo de vida. Escolhi mudar e decidi primeiro sair do hotel e procurar quartos mais baratos em um lugar menos elegante.

Original English Version

I had neither kith nor kin in England, and was therefore as free as air - or as free as an income of eleven shillings and sixpence a day will permit a man to be. Under such circumstances, I naturally gravitated to London, that great cesspool into which all the loungers and idlers of the Empire are irresistibly drained. There I stayed for some time at a private hotel in the Strand, leading a comfortless, meaningless existence, and spending such money as I had, considerably more freely than I ought. So alarming did the state of my finances become, that I soon realized that I must either leave the metropolis and rusticate somewhere in the country, or that I must make a complete alteration in my style of living. Choosing the latter alternative, I began by making up my mind to leave the hotel, and to take up my quarters in some less pretentious and less expensive domicile.

Tradução Integral em Português

Eu não tinha parentes nem amigos íntimos na Inglaterra e era, portanto, livre como o ar - ou tão livre quanto uma renda de onze xelins e seis pence por dia permite a um homem ser. Nessas circunstâncias, gravitei naturalmente para Londres, aquela grande cloaca para a qual são irresistivelmente arrastados todos os desocupados e ociosos do Império. Ali permaneci algum tempo num hotel particular do Strand, levando uma existência desconfortável e sem propósito e gastando o dinheiro que possuía com muito mais liberalidade do que devia. O estado das minhas finanças tornou-se tão alarmante que logo compreendi ter de escolher entre deixar a metrópole e retirar-me para algum rincão do interior, ou alterar por completo o meu modo de vida. Escolhi a segunda alternativa e comecei por decidir abandonar o hotel e instalar-me numa morada menos pretensiosa e menos dispendiosa.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

No mesmo dia em que tomei essa decisão, eu estava no Criterion Bar quando alguém tocou meu ombro. Virei-me e vi o jovem Stamford, que havia trabalhado sob minhas ordens no Barts. Para um homem solitário, encontrar um rosto amigo na grande cidade de Londres era algo muito agradável. No passado, Stamford não fora um amigo íntimo, mas agora eu o cumprimentei com entusiasmo, e ele também pareceu feliz em me ver. Em minha alegria, convidei-o para almoçar comigo no Holborn, e partimos juntos em um hansom.

“O que você tem feito da vida, Watson?”, perguntou ele, claramente surpreso, enquanto avançávamos depressa pelas movimentadas ruas de Londres. “Você está magro como um graveto e moreno como uma noz.”

Contei-lhe brevemente minhas aventuras e mal havia terminado quando chegamos ao nosso destino.

Original English Version

On the very day that I had come to this conclusion, I was standing at the Criterion Bar, when someone tapped me on the shoulder, and turning round I recognized young Stamford, who had been a dresser under me at Barts. The sight of a friendly face in the great wilderness of London is a pleasant thing indeed to a lonely man. In old days Stamford had never been a particular crony of mine, but now I hailed him with enthusiasm, and he, in his turn, appeared to be delighted to see me. In the exuberance of my joy, I asked him to lunch with me at the Holborn, and we started off together in a hansom.

“Whatever have you been doing with yourself, Watson?” he asked in undisguised wonder, as we rattled through the crowded London streets. “You are as thin as a lath and as brown as a nut.”

I gave him a short sketch of my adventures, and had hardly concluded it by the time that we reached our destination.

Tradução Integral em Português

No próprio dia em que cheguei a essa conclusão, eu me encontrava no Criterion Bar quando alguém bateu de leve no meu ombro; ao virar-me, reconheci o jovem Stamford, que fora meu auxiliar cirúrgico no Barts. Para um homem solitário, é de fato agradável avistar um rosto amigo no grande ermo de Londres. Antigamente, Stamford nunca fora um amigo particularmente íntimo, mas agora eu o saudei com entusiasmo, e ele, por sua vez, pareceu encantado em me ver. Na exuberância da minha alegria, convidei-o para almoçar comigo no Holborn, e partimos juntos num cabriolé hansom.

“Que foi que você andou fazendo da vida, Watson?”, perguntou ele, sem disfarçar o espanto, enquanto avançávamos aos solavancos pelas ruas apinhadas de Londres. “Você está magro como uma ripa e moreno como uma castanha.”

Fiz-lhe um breve esboço das minhas aventuras, e mal o concluíra quando chegamos ao nosso destino.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Pobre amigo!”, disse ele com bondade depois de ouvir meus problemas. “O que você está fazendo agora?”

“Procurando quartos para alugar”, respondi. “Estou tentando descobrir se é possível encontrar quartos confortáveis por um preço justo.”

“Que estranho”, disse meu companheiro. “Você é o segundo homem que usa essa mesma expressão comigo hoje.”

“E quem foi o primeiro?”, perguntei.

“Um homem que trabalha no laboratório de química do hospital. Esta manhã, ele estava aborrecido porque não conseguia encontrar ninguém para dividir alguns quartos agradáveis que havia encontrado, e o aluguel era alto demais para ele.”

“Por Jove!”, exclamei. “Se ele realmente quer alguém para dividir os quartos e as despesas, eu sou a pessoa certa. Prefiro ter um companheiro a morar sozinho.”

O jovem Stamford olhou para mim de modo estranho por cima da taça de vinho. “Você ainda não conhece Sherlock Holmes”, disse ele. “Talvez não o quisesse como companheiro permanente.”

Original English Version

“Poor devil!” he said, commiseratingly, after he had listened to my misfortunes. “What are you up to now?”

“Looking for lodgings,” I answered. “Trying to solve the problem as to whether it is possible to get comfortable rooms at a reasonable price.”

“That’s a strange thing,” remarked my companion; “you are the second man today that has used that expression to me.”

“And who was the first?” I asked.

“A fellow who is working at the chemical laboratory up at the hospital. He was bemoaning himself this morning because he could not get someone to go halves with him in some nice rooms which he had found, and which were too much for his purse.”

“By Jove!” I cried, “if he really wants someone to share the rooms and the expense, I am the very man for him. I should prefer having a partner to being alone.”

Young Stamford looked rather strangely at me over his wineglass. “You don’t know Sherlock Holmes yet,” he said; “perhaps you would not care for him as a constant companion.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Pobre-diabo!” disse ele, compadecido, depois de ouvir os meus infortúnios. “O que você anda tramando agora?”

“Procurando alojamento”, respondi. “Tentando resolver o problema de saber se é possível conseguir aposentos confortáveis a um preço razoável.”

“Que coisa estranha”, observou o meu companheiro; “você é o segundo homem hoje a usar essa expressão comigo.”

“E quem foi o primeiro?” perguntei.

“Um sujeito que trabalha no laboratório químico lá em cima, no hospital. Ele se queixava esta manhã porque não conseguia ninguém para rachar com ele uns belos aposentos que encontrara, e que eram demais para a sua bolsa.”

“Por Júpiter!” exclamei, “se ele realmente quer alguém para dividir os aposentos e a despesa, sou justamente o homem para ele. Eu preferiria ter um companheiro a ficar sozinho.”

O jovem Stamford olhou para mim de maneira um tanto estranha por cima da taça de vinho. “Você ainda não conhece Sherlock Holmes”, disse; “talvez não gostasse de tê-lo sempre por companhia.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Ora, o que há de errado com ele?”

“Ah, eu não disse que havia algo de errado com ele. Suas ideias são um pouco estranhas, e ele se interessa muito por algumas áreas da ciência. Até onde sei, é um sujeito bastante bom.”

“Um estudante de medicina, suponho?”, perguntei.

“Não, não sei o que ele pretende fazer. Acho que conhece bem anatomia e é um químico de primeira classe. Mas, até onde sei, nunca frequentou nenhum curso regular de medicina. Ele estuda de maneira dispersa e incomum, porém aprendeu muitas coisas fora do comum que surpreenderiam seus professores.”

“Você nunca lhe perguntou que carreira queria seguir?”, perguntei.

“Não. Não é fácil conversar com ele, embora possa falar livremente quando tem vontade.”

“Eu gostaria de conhecê-lo”, disse eu. “Se vou morar com alguém, prefiro um homem tranquilo que goste de estudar. Ainda não estou forte o bastante para muito barulho ou agitação. Tive de ambos mais do que o suficiente no Afeganistão para o resto da vida. Como posso conhecer esse seu amigo?”

Original English Version

“Why, what is there against him?”

“Oh, I didn’t say there was anything against him. He is a little queer in his ideas - an enthusiast in some branches of science. As far as I know he is a decent fellow enough.”

“A medical student, I suppose?” said I.

“No - I have no idea what he intends to go in for. I believe he is well up in anatomy, and he is a first-class chemist; but, as far as I know, he has never taken out any systematic medical classes. His studies are very desultory and eccentric, but he has amassed a lot of out-of-the-way knowledge which would astonish his professors.”

“Did you never ask him what he was going in for?” I asked.

“No; he is not a man that it is easy to draw out, though he can be communicative enough when the fancy seizes him.”

“I should like to meet him,” I said. “If I am to lodge with anyone, I should prefer a man of studious and quiet habits. I am not strong enough yet to stand much noise or excitement. I had enough of both in Afghanistan to last me for the remainder of my natural existence. How could I meet this friend of yours?”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Ora, o que há contra ele?”

“Ah, eu não disse que havia algo contra ele. Ele é um pouco esquisito nas suas ideias - um entusiasta em alguns ramos da ciência. Até onde sei, é um sujeito bastante decente.”

“Estudante de medicina, suponho?” disse eu.

“Não - não faço ideia da carreira que ele pretende seguir. Creio que entende bastante de anatomia e é um químico de primeira ordem; mas, até onde sei, nunca frequentou nenhum curso regular de medicina. Seus estudos são muito dispersos e excêntricos, mas ele reuniu uma quantidade de conhecimentos recônditos que espantaria seus professores.”

“Você nunca lhe perguntou o que ele pretendia seguir?” indaguei.

“Não; ele não é homem que se deixe sondar com facilidade, embora possa ser bastante comunicativo quando o capricho o toma.”

“Gostaria de conhecê-lo”, disse eu. “Se tiver de morar com alguém, preferiria um homem de hábitos estudiosos e tranquilos. Ainda não estou forte o bastante para suportar muito barulho ou agitação. Já tive de ambos o suficiente no Afeganistão para o resto da vida. Como poderia conhecer esse seu amigo?”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Ele com certeza estará no laboratório”, disse meu companheiro. “Ou fica semanas sem aparecer, ou trabalha lá da manhã à noite. Se quiser, podemos ir juntos até lá depois do almoço.”

“Certamente”, respondi, e então nossa conversa passou a outros assuntos.

Depois que saímos do Holborn e seguimos a pé em direção ao hospital, Stamford me deu mais detalhes sobre o homem com quem eu pretendia morar.

“Você não deve me culpar se não se der bem com ele”, disse. “Não sei nada além do que descobri ao encontrá-lo de vez em quando no laboratório. A ideia foi sua, portanto não me responsabilize.”

“Se não nos dermos bem, poderemos facilmente deixar de morar juntos”, respondi. “Stamford”, acrescentei, olhando-o atentamente, “parece-me que você quer evitar esse assunto. Esse homem tem um temperamento tão ruim assim, ou o quê? Não esconda nada de mim.”

Original English Version

“He is sure to be at the laboratory,” returned my companion. “He either avoids the place for weeks, or else he works there from morning to night. If you like, we shall drive round together after luncheon.”

“Certainly,” I answered, and the conversation drifted away into other channels.

As we made our way to the hospital after leaving the Holborn, Stamford gave me a few more particulars about the gentleman whom I proposed to take as a fellow-lodger.

“You mustn’t blame me if you don’t get on with him,” he said; “I know nothing more of him than I have learned from meeting him occasionally in the laboratory. You proposed this arrangement, so you must not hold me responsible.”

“If we don’t get on it will be easy to part company,” I answered. “It seems to me, Stamford,” I added, looking hard at my companion, “that you have some reason for washing your hands of the matter. Is this fellow’s temper so formidable, or what is it? Don’t be mealymouthed about it.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Ele com certeza estará no laboratório”, retorquiu o meu companheiro. “Ou evita o lugar por semanas, ou então trabalha lá de manhã à noite. Se você quiser, iremos de carro até lá juntos depois do almoço.”

“Certamente”, respondi, e a conversa derivou para outros rumos.

Enquanto nos dirigíamos ao hospital, após deixar o Holborn, Stamford deu-me mais alguns pormenores sobre o cavalheiro que eu me propunha a tomar como companheiro de moradia.

“Você não deve me culpar se não se der bem com ele”, disse. “Não sei mais nada a respeito dele do que o que aprendi encontrando-o ocasionalmente no laboratório. Foi você que propôs este arranjo, então não deve me responsabilizar.”

“Se não nos entendermos, será fácil cada um seguir seu caminho”, respondi. “Tenho a impressão, Stamford”, acrescentei, fitando meu companheiro, “de que você tem algum motivo para lavar as mãos dessa história. O gênio desse sujeito é assim tão terrível, ou o quê? Não venha com meias-palavras.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“É difícil descrever o que não pode ser descrito”, disse ele, rindo. “Holmes é um pouco científico demais para mim. Parece quase insensível. Eu poderia imaginá-lo dando a um amigo uma pequena dose do veneno de uma planta nova, não porque quisesse lhe fazer mal, mas porque desejaria saber exatamente o que ela provoca. E acho que ele próprio a tomaria com a mesma disposição. Ele parece amar o conhecimento exato e seguro.”

“Sim, isso é verdade.”

“Sim, mas isso pode ir longe demais. Quando o leva a bater com uma vara nos corpos das salas de dissecação, certamente está se tornando estranho.”

“Bater nos corpos!”

“Sim, para verificar até que ponto podem surgir hematomas depois da morte. Eu o vi fazer isso com meus próprios olhos.”

“E mesmo assim você diz que ele não é estudante de medicina?”

Original English Version

“It is not easy to express the inexpressible,” he answered with a laugh. “Holmes is a little too scientific for my tastes - it approaches to cold-bloodedness. I could imagine his giving a friend a little pinch of the latest vegetable alkaloid, not out of malevolence, you understand, but simply out of a spirit of inquiry in order to have an accurate idea of the effects. To do him justice, I think that he would take it himself with the same readiness. He appears to have a passion for definite and exact knowledge.”

“Very right too.”

“Yes, but it may be pushed to excess. When it comes to beating the subjects in the dissecting-rooms with a stick, it is certainly taking rather a bizarre shape.”

“Beating the subjects!”

“Yes, to verify how far bruises may be produced after death. I saw him at it with my own eyes.”

“And yet you say he is not a medical student?”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Não é fácil exprimir o inexprimível”, respondeu ele, rindo. “Holmes é um tanto científico demais para o meu gosto - isso chega a beirar o sangue-frio. Posso imaginá-lo dando a um amigo uma pequena dose do mais recente alcaloide vegetal, não por malevolência, entenda, mas apenas por espírito de investigação, para ter uma ideia exata dos efeitos. Para lhe fazer justiça, creio que ele próprio o tomaria com a mesma prontidão. Parece ter verdadeira paixão por conhecimentos definidos e exatos.”

“Muito certo, também.”

“Sim, mas isso pode ir longe demais. Quando se chega ao ponto de espancar com uma bengala os cadáveres da sala de dissecação, a coisa certamente assume um aspecto um tanto bizarro.”

“Espancar os cadáveres!”

“Sim, para verificar até que ponto se podem produzir hematomas após a morte. Vi-o fazê-lo com os meus próprios olhos.”

“E, no entanto, você diz que ele não é estudante de medicina?”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Não. Só Deus sabe o que ele estuda. Mas chegamos, e você terá de julgá-lo por si mesmo.” Enquanto falava, entramos em uma viela estreita e passamos por uma pequena porta lateral que dava para uma ala do grande hospital. Eu conhecia bem aquele lugar e não precisava de guia. Subimos a fria escadaria de pedra e percorremos um longo corredor de paredes brancas e portas de cores apagadas. Perto da extremidade oposta, uma passagem baixa e arqueada se separava do corredor e levava ao laboratório de química.

Era uma sala grande, cercada e abarrotada de muitas garrafas. Mesas largas e baixas estavam dispostas ao redor, cobertas de retortas, tubos de ensaio e pequenos bicos de Bunsen com chamas azuis. Havia apenas um estudante na sala. Ele estava curvado sobre uma mesa na outra extremidade, profundamente ocupado com seu trabalho. Ao ouvir nossos passos, virou-se e se levantou de um salto, soltando um grito de alegria. “Encontrei! Encontrei!”, exclamou, correndo em nossa direção com um tubo de ensaio na mão. “Descobri um reagente que precipita com a hemoglobina e com nenhuma outra substância.” Seu rosto mostrava mais alegria do que se tivesse encontrado uma mina de ouro.

Original English Version

“No. Heaven knows what the objects of his studies are. But here we are, and you must form your own impressions about him.” As he spoke, we turned down a narrow lane and passed through a small side-door, which opened into a wing of the great hospital. It was familiar ground to me, and I needed no guiding as we ascended the bleak stone staircase and made our way down the long corridor with its vista of whitewashed wall and dun-coloured doors. Near the further end a low arched passage branched away from it and led to the chemical laboratory.

This was a lofty chamber, lined and littered with countless bottles. Broad, low tables were scattered about, which bristled with retorts, test-tubes, and little Bunsen lamps, with their blue flickering flames. There was only one student in the room, who was bending over a distant table absorbed in his work. At the sound of our steps he glanced round and sprang to his feet with a cry of pleasure. “I’ve found it! I’ve found it,” he shouted to my companion, running towards us with a test-tube in his hand. “I have found a reagent which is precipitated by haemoglobin, and by nothing else.” Had he discovered a gold mine, greater delight could not have shone upon his features.

Tradução Integral em Português

“Não. Só o céu sabe quais são os objetivos dos estudos dele. Mas chegamos, e você terá de formar as suas próprias impressões a seu respeito.” Enquanto ele falava, enveredamos por uma viela estreita e atravessamos uma pequena porta lateral que dava acesso a uma ala do grande hospital. O lugar me era familiar, e não precisei de guia enquanto subíamos a sombria escadaria de pedra e percorríamos o longo corredor, com sua perspectiva de paredes caiadas e portas pardas. Perto da extremidade oposta, uma passagem baixa e arqueada abria-se para o lado e conduzia ao laboratório de química.

Era um aposento de teto alto, ladeado e atulhado por inúmeros frascos. Mesas largas e baixas espalhavam-se pela sala, eriçadas de retortas, tubos de ensaio e pequenas lamparinas de Bunsen, com suas chamas azuis e bruxuleantes. Havia ali um único estudante, curvado sobre uma mesa distante e absorto no trabalho. Ao ouvir os nossos passos, ele olhou em volta e pôs-se de pé de um salto, soltando um grito de prazer. “Descobri! Descobri!”, bradou para o meu companheiro, correndo em nossa direção com um tubo de ensaio na mão. “Descobri um reagente que é precipitado pela hemoglobina, e por mais nada.” Se tivesse descoberto uma mina de ouro, não lhe poderia brilhar no rosto deleite maior.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Dr. Watson, Sr. Sherlock Holmes”, disse Stamford, apresentando-nos.

“Como vai?”, disse ele com cordialidade, apertando minha mão com uma força que eu não esperava. “Vejo que esteve no Afeganistão.”

“Como diabos soube disso?”, perguntei, muito surpreso.

“Não importa”, disse ele, rindo consigo mesmo. “A verdadeira questão é a hemoglobina. Você percebe a importância da minha descoberta, não percebe?”

“Sem dúvida é interessante para a química”, respondi, “mas, na prática...”

Original English Version

“Dr. Watson, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said Stamford, introducing us.

“How are you?” he said cordially, gripping my hand with a strength for which I should hardly have given him credit. “You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive.”

“How on earth did you know that?” I asked in astonishment.

“Never mind,” said he, chuckling to himself. “The question now is about haemoglobin. No doubt you see the significance of this discovery of mine?”

“It is interesting, chemically, no doubt,” I answered, “but practically - ”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Dr. Watson, Sr. Sherlock Holmes”, disse Stamford, apresentando-nos.

“Como vai o senhor?”, disse ele cordialmente, apertando-me a mão com uma força de que eu mal o julgaria capaz. “O senhor esteve no Afeganistão, pelo que vejo.”

“Como diabos o senhor soube disso?” perguntei, atônito.

“Não importa”, disse ele, rindo consigo mesmo. “A questão agora é a hemoglobina. Sem dúvida o senhor percebe a importância desta minha descoberta?”

“É interessante, quimicamente, sem dúvida”, respondi, “mas, na prática - ”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Meu caro, é a descoberta médico-legal mais útil dos últimos anos. Não percebe que ela nos oferece um teste seguro para manchas de sangue? Venha até aqui!” Em sua empolgação, agarrou a manga do meu casaco e me puxou até a mesa em que estivera trabalhando. “Vamos usar um pouco de sangue fresco”, disse. Furou o dedo com uma agulha comprida e recolheu uma gota com uma pipeta química. “Agora acrescento esta pequena quantidade de sangue a um litro de água. Como pode ver, a mistura parece água pura. A proporção de sangue não passa de uma parte em um milhão. Ainda assim, tenho certeza de que obteremos a reação correta.” Enquanto falava, colocou alguns cristais brancos no recipiente e depois acrescentou algumas gotas de um líquido transparente. Imediatamente, o líquido adquiriu uma cor marrom opaca, e um pó marrom se depositou no fundo do frasco de vidro.

Original English Version

“Why, man, it is the most practical medico-legal discovery for years. Don’t you see that it gives us an infallible test for blood stains? Come over here now!” He seized me by the coat-sleeve in his eagerness, and drew me over to the table at which he had been working. “Let us have some fresh blood,” he said, digging a long bodkin into his finger, and drawing off the resulting drop of blood in a chemical pipette. “Now, I add this small quantity of blood to a litre of water. You perceive that the resulting mixture has the appearance of pure water. The proportion of blood cannot be more than one in a million. I have no doubt, however, that we shall be able to obtain the characteristic reaction.” As he spoke, he threw into the vessel a few white crystals, and then added some drops of a transparent fluid. In an instant the contents assumed a dull mahogany colour, and a brownish dust was precipitated to the bottom of the glass jar.

Tradução Integral em Português

“Ora, meu caro, esta é a descoberta médico-legal mais prática dos últimos anos. Não vê que ela nos proporciona um teste infalível para manchas de sangue? Venha cá!” Em sua avidez, ele me agarrou pela manga do casaco e puxou-me até a mesa em que estivera trabalhando. “Arranjemos um pouco de sangue fresco”, disse, cravando um longo estilete no dedo e recolhendo a gota de sangue numa pipeta química. “Agora acrescento esta pequena quantidade de sangue a um litro de água. O senhor percebe que a mistura resultante tem a aparência de água pura. A proporção de sangue não pode ser superior a uma parte em um milhão. Não tenho dúvida, contudo, de que conseguiremos obter a reação característica.” Enquanto falava, lançou no recipiente alguns cristais brancos e depois acrescentou algumas gotas de um líquido transparente. Num instante, o conteúdo adquiriu um tom opaco de mogno, e um pó acastanhado precipitou-se no fundo do frasco de vidro.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Ha! Ha!”, exclamou, batendo palmas e parecendo tão feliz quanto uma criança com um brinquedo novo. “O que acha disso?”

“Parece ser um teste muito preciso”, disse eu.

“Magnífico! Magnífico! O antigo teste de guáiaco era desajeitado e nem sempre seguro. O exame microscópico das células sanguíneas também não serve, pois não funciona quando as manchas têm algumas horas. Este novo teste, porém, parece funcionar tanto com sangue antigo quanto com sangue fresco. Se tivesse sido inventado antes, centenas de homens que ainda estão vivos já teriam pagado por seus crimes há muito tempo.”

“De fato!”, disse eu em voz baixa.

“Muitos casos criminais dependem desse único ponto. Um homem pode se tornar suspeito meses depois de um crime. Então suas roupas são examinadas e encontram-se manchas marrons. São de sangue, lama, ferrugem, fruta ou alguma outra coisa? Muitos especialistas ficaram confusos diante dessa pergunta. Por quê? Porque não existia um teste em que pudessem confiar. Agora temos o teste de Sherlock Holmes, e esse problema desaparecerá.”

Original English Version

“Ha! ha!” he cried, clapping his hands, and looking as delighted as a child with a new toy. “What do you think of that?”

“It seems to be a very delicate test,” I remarked.

“Beautiful! beautiful! The old Guiacum test was very clumsy and uncertain. So is the microscopic examination for blood corpuscles. The latter is valueless if the stains are a few hours old. Now, this appears to act as well whether the blood is old or new. Had this test been invented, there are hundreds of men now walking the earth who would long ago have paid the penalty of their crimes.”

“Indeed!” I murmured.

“Criminal cases are continually hinging upon that one point. A man is suspected of a crime months perhaps after it has been committed. His linen or clothes are examined, and brownish stains discovered upon them. Are they blood stains, or mud stains, or rust stains, or fruit stains, or what are they? That is a question which has puzzled many an expert, and why? Because there was no reliable test. Now we have the Sherlock Holmes’ test, and there will no longer be any difficulty.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Ha! ha!” exclamou ele, batendo palmas e parecendo tão encantado quanto uma criança com um brinquedo novo. “O que o senhor acha disso?”

“Parece ser um teste muito delicado”, observei.

“Magnífico! Magnífico! O antigo teste do guáiaco era muito grosseiro e incerto. O mesmo se dá com o exame microscópico dos corpúsculos sanguíneos. Este último nada vale se as manchas tiverem algumas horas. Já este parece funcionar igualmente bem, seja o sangue antigo ou recente. Se tal teste houvesse sido inventado antes, centenas de homens que hoje caminham pela face da Terra já teriam pago há muito a pena por seus crimes.”

“Deveras!” murmurei.

“Casos criminais dependem constantemente desse único ponto. Um homem pode tornar-se suspeito de um crime meses depois de este ter sido cometido. Examinam-se suas roupas de baixo ou outras peças de vestuário, e encontram-se nelas manchas acastanhadas. São manchas de sangue, de lama, de ferrugem, de fruta - ou de quê? Essa questão já deixou perplexo mais de um perito. E por quê? Porque não havia um teste confiável. Agora temos o teste de Sherlock Holmes, e a dificuldade deixará de existir.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Enquanto falava, seus olhos brilhavam intensamente. Ele pôs a mão sobre o coração e fez uma reverência, como se, em sua imaginação, uma multidão aplaudisse diante dele.

“Você merece parabéns”, disse eu, muito surpreso com seu entusiasmo.

“Houve o caso de Von Bischoff em Frankfurt, no ano passado. Ele certamente teria sido enforcado se este teste existisse. Depois houve Mason, de Bradford, o famoso Muller, Lefevre, de Montpellier, e Samson, de Nova Orleans. Eu poderia citar vinte casos em que ele teria esclarecido a resposta.”

Stamford riu. “Você é como um calendário ambulante do crime. Poderia lançar um jornal com essa ideia. Chame-o de As Notícias Policiais do Passado.”

“E seria uma leitura interessante”, disse Sherlock Holmes, colocando um pequeno pedaço de esparadrapo sobre o furo no dedo. “Preciso ter cuidado”, disse-me com um sorriso, “porque trabalho frequentemente com venenos.” Estendeu a mão, e vi que estava coberta de pequenos pedaços de esparadrapo e marcada por ácidos fortes.

Original English Version

His eyes fairly glittered as he spoke, and he put his hand over his heart and bowed as if to some applauding crowd conjured up by his imagination.

“You are to be congratulated,” I remarked, considerably surprised at his enthusiasm.

“There was the case of Von Bischoff at Frankfort last year. He would certainly have been hung had this test been in existence. Then there was Mason of Bradford, and the notorious Muller, and Lefevre of Montpellier, and Samson of New Orleans. I could name a score of cases in which it would have been decisive.”

“You seem to be a walking calendar of crime,” said Stamford with a laugh. “You might start a paper on those lines. Call it the Police News of the Past.”

“Very interesting reading it might be made, too,” remarked Sherlock Holmes, sticking a small piece of plaster over the prick on his finger. “I have to be careful,” he continued, turning to me with a smile, “for I dabble with poisons a good deal.” He held out his hand as he spoke, and I noticed that it was all mottled over with similar pieces of plaster, and discoloured with strong acids.

Tradução Integral em Português

Os olhos lhe faiscavam enquanto falava, e ele levou a mão ao coração e fez uma reverência, como diante de uma multidão em aplausos que sua imaginação houvesse conjurado.

“O senhor está de parabéns”, observei, consideravelmente surpreso com o seu entusiasmo.

“Houve o caso de Von Bischoff, em Frankfort, no ano passado. Ele certamente teria sido enforcado se este teste já existisse. Houve também Mason, de Bradford, o notório Muller, Lefevre, de Montpellier, e Samson, de Nova Orleans. Eu poderia citar vinte casos em que ele teria sido decisivo.”

“O senhor parece um calendário ambulante do crime”, disse Stamford, rindo. “Poderia fundar um jornal desse gênero e chamá-lo de Notícias Policiais do Passado.”

“Isso também daria uma leitura muito interessante”, observou Sherlock Holmes, colando um pequeno pedaço de esparadrapo sobre a picada no dedo. “Tenho de ser cuidadoso”, continuou, voltando-se para mim com um sorriso, “pois mexo bastante com venenos.” Enquanto falava, estendeu a mão, e notei que ela estava toda salpicada de pedaços semelhantes de esparadrapo e manchada por ácidos fortes.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Viemos aqui tratar de um assunto”, disse Stamford. Sentou-se em um banco alto de três pernas e empurrou outro em minha direção com o pé. “Meu amigo está procurando um lugar para morar. Você disse que não conseguia encontrar ninguém com quem dividir os quartos, por isso achei que deveria apresentá-los.”

Sherlock Holmes pareceu muito satisfeito com a ideia de dividir seus quartos comigo. “Encontrei um conjunto de quartos na Baker Street”, disse ele, “e seriam muito adequados para nós. Espero que não se incomode com o cheiro de tabaco forte?”

“Eu mesmo sempre fumo tabaco de marinheiro”, respondi.

“Ótimo. Costumo manter produtos químicos por perto e às vezes faço experiências. Isso o incomodaria?”

“De modo algum.”

“Vejamos... que outros defeitos tenho? Às vezes fico muito abatido e então passo dias sem falar. Não pense que estou zangado quando isso acontecer. Apenas me deixe em paz, e logo ficarei bem. Agora, quais são os seus defeitos? É melhor que dois homens conheçam os piores aspectos um do outro antes de começarem a morar juntos.”

Original English Version

“We came here on business,” said Stamford, sitting down on a high three-legged stool, and pushing another one in my direction with his foot. “My friend here wants to take diggings, and as you were complaining that you could get no one to go halves with you, I thought that I had better bring you together.”

Sherlock Holmes seemed delighted at the idea of sharing his rooms with me. “I have my eye on a suite in Baker Street,” he said, “which would suit us down to the ground. You don’t mind the smell of strong tobacco, I hope?”

“I always smoke ‘ship’s’ myself,” I answered.

“That’s good enough. I generally have chemicals about, and occasionally do experiments. Would that annoy you?”

“By no means.”

“Let me see - what are my other shortcomings? I get in the dumps at times, and don’t open my mouth for days on end. You must not think I am sulky when I do that. Just let me alone, and I’ll soon be right. What have you to confess now? It’s just as well for two fellows to know the worst of one another before they begin to live together.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Viemos aqui a negócios”, disse Stamford, sentando-se num alto banco de três pernas e empurrando outro na minha direção com o pé. “O meu amigo aqui quer arranjar alojamento e, como o senhor se queixava de não conseguir ninguém para rachar com o senhor, achei melhor pô-los em contato.”

Sherlock Holmes pareceu encantado com a ideia de dividir seus aposentos comigo. “Estou de olho em uns aposentos na Baker Street”, disse, “que nos serviriam perfeitamente. O senhor não se incomoda com o cheiro de tabaco forte, espero?”

“Eu mesmo sempre fumo ‘tabaco de bordo’”, respondi.

“Isso já basta. Costumo ter produtos químicos por perto e ocasionalmente faço experimentos. Isso o incomodaria?”

“De modo algum.”

“Deixe-me ver - quais são os meus outros defeitos? Às vezes fico abatido e passo dias a fio sem abrir a boca. Quando isso acontecer, o senhor não deve pensar que estou de mau humor. Basta deixar-me em paz, e logo voltarei ao normal. E agora, o que tem a confessar? Convém que dois sujeitos conheçam o pior um do outro antes de começarem a viver juntos.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Ri de suas perguntas. “Tenho um buldogue”, disse. “Não gosto de barulho porque meus nervos estão abalados. Levanto-me nos horários mais terríveis e sou muito preguiçoso. Quando estou bem, tenho outros maus hábitos, mas esses são os principais no momento.”

“Você considera o som do violino um barulho?”, perguntou ele, ansioso.

“Depende de quem toca”, respondi. “Um violino bem tocado é um prazer para os deuses. Um mal tocado...”

“Ah, então está tudo bem”, exclamou ele com uma risada alegre. “Acho que podemos considerar o assunto resolvido, se os quartos lhe agradarem.”

“Quando iremos vê-los?”

“Venha aqui amanhã ao meio-dia, e iremos juntos resolver tudo”, respondeu.

“Está bem, ao meio-dia em ponto”, disse eu, apertando-lhe a mão.

Deixamo-lo trabalhando com seus produtos químicos e caminhamos juntos em direção ao meu hotel.

Original English Version

I laughed at this cross-examination. “I keep a bull pup,” I said, “and I object to rows because my nerves are shaken, and I get up at all sorts of ungodly hours, and I am extremely lazy. I have another set of vices when I’m well, but those are the principal ones at present.”

“Do you include violin-playing in your category of rows?” he asked, anxiously.

“It depends on the player,” I answered. “A well-played violin is a treat for the gods - a badly-played one - ”

“Oh, that’s all right,” he cried, with a merry laugh. “I think we may consider the thing as settled - that is, if the rooms are agreeable to you.”

“When shall we see them?”

“Call for me here at noon tomorrow, and we’ll go together and settle everything,” he answered.

“All right - noon exactly,” said I, shaking his hand.

We left him working among his chemicals, and we walked together towards my hotel.

Tradução Integral em Português

Ri daquele interrogatório. “Tenho um filhote de buldogue”, disse eu, “e detesto brigas, pois os meus nervos estão abalados; levanto-me nos horários mais absurdos e sou extremamente preguiçoso. Quando estou bem, tenho outro rol de vícios, mas esses são os principais no momento.”

“O senhor inclui tocar violino na sua categoria de brigas?” perguntou ele, ansiosamente.

“Depende de quem toca”, respondi. “Um violino bem tocado é um deleite para os deuses; um mal tocado, porém - ”

“Ah, então está tudo bem”, exclamou ele, com um riso alegre. “Creio que podemos considerar a coisa como acertada - isto é, se os aposentos lhe agradarem.”

“Quando os veremos?”

“Passe aqui para me pegar ao meio-dia de amanhã, e iremos juntos acertar tudo”, respondeu ele.

“Está bem - meio-dia em ponto”, disse eu, apertando-lhe a mão.

Deixamo-lo trabalhando entre os seus produtos químicos e caminhamos juntos em direção ao meu hotel.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“A propósito”, perguntei de repente, parando e me voltando para Stamford, “como diabos ele soube que eu havia voltado do Afeganistão?”

Meu companheiro sorriu de maneira estranha. “Esse é apenas um de seus hábitos especiais”, disse. “Muitas pessoas já quiseram saber como ele chega às suas conclusões.”

“Ah! É um mistério?”, exclamei, esfregando as mãos. “Isso é muito interessante. Sou muito grato por você nos ter apresentado. ‘O estudo adequado da humanidade é o homem’, como sabe.”

“Então terá de estudá-lo”, disse Stamford ao se despedir de mim. “Mas descobrirá que ele é um problema difícil. Acho que ele aprenderá mais sobre você do que você sobre ele. Adeus.”

“Adeus”, respondi, e segui até meu hotel, muito interessado em meu novo conhecido.

Original English Version

“By the way,” I asked suddenly, stopping and turning upon Stamford, “how the deuce did he know that I had come from Afghanistan?”

My companion smiled an enigmatical smile. “That’s just his little peculiarity,” he said. “A good many people have wanted to know how he finds things out.”

“Oh! a mystery is it?” I cried, rubbing my hands. “This is very piquant. I am much obliged to you for bringing us together. ‘The proper study of mankind is man,’ you know.”

“You must study him, then,” Stamford said, as he bade me goodbye. “You’ll find him a knotty problem, though. I’ll wager he learns more about you than you about him. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye,” I answered, and strolled on to my hotel, considerably interested in my new acquaintance.

Tradução Integral em Português

“A propósito”, perguntei de repente, parando e voltando-me para Stamford, “como diabos ele soube que eu viera do Afeganistão?”

Meu companheiro abriu um sorriso enigmático. “É apenas uma pequena peculiaridade dele”, disse. “Muita gente já quis saber como ele descobre as coisas.”

“Ah! Então é um mistério?”, exclamei, esfregando as mãos. “Isso é muito instigante. Sou-lhe muito grato por nos ter posto em contato. ‘O verdadeiro objeto de estudo da humanidade é o homem’, como sabe.”

“Então trate de estudá-lo”, disse Stamford ao se despedir. “Mas verá que ele é um problema dos mais intrincados. Aposto que ele descobrirá mais a seu respeito do que você a respeito dele. Adeus.”

“Adeus”, respondi, e segui a passo até o meu hotel, consideravelmente interessado no meu novo conhecido.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

The Science of Deduction

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Encontramo-nos no dia seguinte, conforme ele havia planejado, e fomos ver os quartos no número 221B da Baker Street, que mencionara antes. Havia dois quartos de dormir confortáveis e uma sala de estar grande e arejada. Era bem mobiliada e tinha duas janelas largas. Os aposentos eram muito bons, e o aluguel pareceu justo quando dividido entre nós. Assim, concordamos imediatamente e nos mudamos. Naquela noite, trouxe minhas coisas do hotel, e, na manhã seguinte, Sherlock Holmes chegou com várias caixas e malas. Durante um ou dois dias, ficamos ocupados desfazendo as malas e organizando nossos pertences. Depois disso, aos poucos nos instalamos e nos acostumamos ao novo lar.

Original English Version

We met next day as he had arranged, and inspected the rooms at No. 221B, Baker Street, of which he had spoken at our meeting. They consisted of a couple of comfortable bedrooms and a single large airy sitting-room, cheerfully furnished, and illuminated by two broad windows. So desirable in every way were the apartments, and so moderate did the terms seem when divided between us, that the bargain was concluded upon the spot, and we at once entered into possession. That very evening I moved my things round from the hotel, and on the following morning Sherlock Holmes followed me with several boxes and portmanteaus. For a day or two we were busily employed in unpacking and laying out our property to the best advantage. That done, we gradually began to settle down and to accommodate ourselves to our new surroundings.

Tradução Integral em Português

Encontramo-nos no dia seguinte, conforme ele combinara, e inspecionamos os aposentos do n.º 221B da Baker Street, dos quais falara em nosso encontro. Eram dois quartos confortáveis e uma única sala de estar, grande e arejada, agradavelmente mobiliada e iluminada por duas amplas janelas. Os aposentos eram tão desejáveis sob todos os aspectos, e o aluguel, repartido entre nós, parecia tão módico, que fechamos o negócio ali mesmo e tomamos posse de imediato. Naquela mesma noite, transferi os meus pertences do hotel; na manhã seguinte, Sherlock Holmes fez o mesmo, trazendo várias caixas e malas de viagem. Durante um ou dois dias, ocupamo-nos em desempacotar e dispor os nossos bens da melhor maneira possível. Feito isso, começamos aos poucos a nos instalar e a nos adaptar ao novo ambiente.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Não era difícil morar com Holmes. Ele era tranquilo e tinha hábitos regulares. Raramente ficava acordado depois das dez da noite e sempre tomava o café da manhã e saía antes que eu me levantasse. Às vezes passava o dia em um laboratório de química, outras vezes nas salas de dissecação e, em outras ocasiões, fazia longas caminhadas pelos bairros pobres da City. Quando estava trabalhando, sua energia era enorme. Mas às vezes se cansava de repente e passava dias deitado no sofá, quase sem falar nem se mover. Nessas ocasiões, seus olhos assumiam uma expressão sonhadora e vazia. Eu poderia ter pensado que usava alguma droga, se toda a sua vida não fosse tão limpa e controlada.

Original English Version

Holmes was certainly not a difficult man to live with. He was quiet in his ways, and his habits were regular. It was rare for him to be up after ten at night, and he had invariably breakfasted and gone out before I rose in the morning. Sometimes he spent his day at the chemical laboratory, sometimes in the dissecting-rooms, and occasionally in long walks, which appeared to take him into the lowest portions of the City. Nothing could exceed his energy when the working fit was upon him; but now and again a reaction would seize him, and for days on end he would lie upon the sofa in the sitting-room, hardly uttering a word or moving a muscle from morning to night. On these occasions I have noticed such a dreamy, vacant expression in his eyes, that I might have suspected him of being addicted to the use of some narcotic, had not the temperance and cleanliness of his whole life forbidden such a notion.

Tradução Integral em Português

Holmes decerto não era um homem de convivência difícil. Era tranquilo em seus modos, e seus hábitos eram regulares. Raramente permanecia acordado depois das dez da noite e, invariavelmente, já havia tomado o café da manhã e saído antes que eu me levantasse. Às vezes passava o dia no laboratório de química, outras nas salas de dissecação e, vez por outra, em longas caminhadas que pareciam levá-lo às zonas mais sórdidas da City. Nada superava a sua energia quando o tomava um acesso de trabalho; mas, de tempos em tempos, vinha a reação e, durante dias a fio, ele permanecia estendido no sofá da sala de estar, mal pronunciando uma palavra ou movendo um músculo de manhã à noite. Nessas ocasiões, notei-lhe nos olhos uma expressão tão sonhadora e vazia que eu poderia tê-lo julgado entregue ao uso de algum narcótico, se a sobriedade e o asseio de toda a sua vida não tornassem impossível tal suposição.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

À medida que as semanas passavam, meu interesse por ele aumentava, e eu ficava mais curioso a respeito de seus objetivos na vida. Até sua aparência chamava atenção. Tinha pouco mais de um metro e oitenta, mas era tão magro que parecia mais alto. Seus olhos eram penetrantes, exceto durante os períodos de preguiça. O nariz fino e semelhante ao bico de um falcão lhe dava uma aparência alerta e determinada. Seu queixo era forte e quadrado, revelando força de vontade. Suas mãos geralmente estavam manchadas de tinta e produtos químicos, mas possuíam um toque muito delicado, como observei quando manejava seus frágeis instrumentos.

O leitor talvez me considere muito intrometido quando admito o quanto esse homem despertava minha curiosidade e quantas vezes tentei fazê-lo falar sobre si mesmo. Mas é preciso lembrar que minha vida não tinha um propósito verdadeiro e que eu tinha muito pouco a fazer. Minha saúde me impedia de sair, a menos que o tempo estivesse muito bom, e eu não tinha amigos que me visitassem e quebrassem a rotina monótona dos meus dias. Por isso, recebi com prazer o pequeno mistério que cercava meu companheiro e passei grande parte do tempo tentando resolvê-lo.

Original English Version

As the weeks went by, my interest in him and my curiosity as to his aims in life, gradually deepened and increased. His very person and appearance were such as to strike the attention of the most casual observer. In height he was rather over six feet, and so excessively lean that he seemed to be considerably taller. His eyes were sharp and piercing, save during those intervals of torpor to which I have alluded; and his thin, hawk-like nose gave his whole expression an air of alertness and decision. His chin, too, had the prominence and squareness which mark the man of determination. His hands were invariably blotted with ink and stained with chemicals, yet he was possessed of extraordinary delicacy of touch, as I frequently had occasion to observe when I watched him manipulating his fragile philosophical instruments.

The reader may set me down as a hopeless busybody, when I confess how much this man stimulated my curiosity, and how often I endeavoured to break through the reticence which he showed on all that concerned himself. Before pronouncing judgment, however, be it remembered, how objectless was my life and how little there was to engage my attention. My health forbade me from venturing out unless the weather was exceptionally genial, and I had no friends who would call upon me and break the monotony of my daily existence. Under these circumstances, I eagerly hailed the little mystery which hung around my companion, and spent much of my time in endeavouring to unravel it.

Tradução Integral em Português

Com o passar das semanas, meu interesse por ele e minha curiosidade quanto aos seus objetivos na vida aprofundaram-se e cresceram gradualmente. Seu porte e sua aparência bastavam para atrair a atenção do observador mais casual. Tinha pouco mais de seis pés de altura e era tão excessivamente magro que parecia bem mais alto. Seus olhos eram vivos e penetrantes, salvo durante os intervalos de torpor a que aludi; e o nariz fino e aquilino conferia a toda a sua expressão um ar de vigilância e decisão. Também o queixo tinha a proeminência e a forma quadrada que assinalam o homem determinado. Suas mãos estavam invariavelmente borradas de tinta e manchadas por produtos químicos; possuía, contudo, extraordinária delicadeza no tato, como muitas vezes tive ocasião de observar ao vê-lo manipular seus frágeis instrumentos científicos.

O leitor poderá considerar-me um bisbilhoteiro incorrigível quando confesso quanto esse homem aguçava a minha curiosidade e quantas vezes tentei romper a reserva que demonstrava em tudo quanto lhe dizia respeito. Antes de me julgar, contudo, lembre-se de quão desprovida de propósito era a minha vida e de quão pouco havia que prendesse a minha atenção. Minha saúde me impedia de sair, salvo quando o tempo estava excepcionalmente agradável, e eu não tinha amigos que me visitassem e quebrassem a monotonia da minha existência diária. Nessas circunstâncias, acolhi com avidez o pequeno mistério que envolvia o meu companheiro e passei grande parte do tempo tentando desvendá-lo.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Ele não estudava medicina. Já havia confirmado a opinião de Stamford a esse respeito. Também não parecia ter frequentado nenhum curso que o levasse a um diploma em ciências ou a qualquer outro caminho reconhecido no mundo acadêmico. Ainda assim, estudava certos assuntos com grande energia e, à sua maneira estranha, conhecia uma quantidade impressionante de detalhes. Isso me surpreendia. Ninguém trabalharia tanto nem aprenderia fatos tão exatos se não tivesse um objetivo claro. As pessoas que leem sem um plano geralmente não são tão precisas. Ninguém enche a mente de pequenos fatos sem uma boa razão.

Sua falta de conhecimento era tão surpreendente quanto aquilo que sabia. Parecia não conhecer quase nada de literatura moderna, filosofia ou política. Quando mencionei Thomas Carlyle, perguntou com toda a inocência quem ele era e o que havia feito. Minha surpresa chegou ao máximo quando descobri que ele desconhecia a Teoria de Copérnico e a estrutura do Sistema Solar. Eu mal conseguia acreditar que uma pessoa instruída do século XIX não soubesse que a Terra gira ao redor do Sol.

Original English Version

He was not studying medicine. He had himself, in reply to a question, confirmed Stamford’s opinion upon that point. Neither did he appear to have pursued any course of reading which might fit him for a degree in science or any other recognized portal which would give him an entrance into the learned world. Yet his zeal for certain studies was remarkable, and within eccentric limits his knowledge was so extraordinarily ample and minute that his observations have fairly astounded me. Surely no man would work so hard or attain such precise information unless he had some definite end in view. Desultory readers are seldom remarkable for the exactness of their learning. No man burdens his mind with small matters unless he has some very good reason for doing so.

His ignorance was as remarkable as his knowledge. Of contemporary literature, philosophy and politics he appeared to know next to nothing. Upon my quoting Thomas Carlyle, he inquired in the naivest way who he might be and what he had done. My surprise reached a climax, however, when I found incidentally that he was ignorant of the Copernican Theory and of the composition of the Solar System. That any civilized human being in this nineteenth century should not be aware that the earth travelled round the sun appeared to be to me such an extraordinary fact that I could hardly realize it.

Tradução Integral em Português

Ele não estudava medicina. Em resposta a uma pergunta, confirmara pessoalmente a opinião de Stamford a esse respeito. Tampouco parecia ter seguido qualquer programa de leituras que o habilitasse a obter um grau científico ou lhe abrisse outra via reconhecida de ingresso no mundo erudito. Ainda assim, seu zelo por certos estudos era notável e, dentro de limites excêntricos, seus conhecimentos eram tão extraordinariamente amplos e minuciosos que suas observações chegavam de fato a me assombrar. Por certo, homem algum trabalharia tanto ou alcançaria informações tão precisas sem ter em vista algum objetivo definido. Leitores assistemáticos raramente se distinguem pela exatidão do que sabem. Ninguém sobrecarrega a mente com minúcias sem ter uma razão muito boa para isso.

Sua ignorância era tão notável quanto seus conhecimentos. De literatura contemporânea, filosofia e política, parecia não saber quase nada. Quando citei Thomas Carlyle, perguntou com a maior ingenuidade quem ele era e o que fizera. Minha surpresa atingiu o auge, contudo, quando descobri por acaso que ele ignorava a Teoria Copernicana e a composição do Sistema Solar. Parecia-me tão extraordinário que qualquer ser humano civilizado, em pleno século XIX, não soubesse que a Terra gira em torno do Sol que eu mal conseguia acreditar.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Você parece surpreso”, disse ele, sorrindo para mim. “Agora que sei disso, farei o possível para esquecer.”

“Esquecer!”

“Veja”, disse ele, “considero o cérebro de um homem como um pequeno sótão vazio. É preciso preenchê-lo com as coisas que se escolhem. Um tolo guarda toda coisa inútil que encontra, de modo que o conhecimento útil acaba expulso ou fica tão misturado que ele não consegue encontrá-lo quando precisa. Um trabalhador habilidoso escolhe com muito cuidado o que coloca no sótão de seu cérebro. Conserva apenas as ferramentas que ajudam em seu trabalho, mas possui muitas delas e as mantém em perfeita ordem. É um erro pensar que o sótão pode crescer sem limites. Mais cedo ou mais tarde, cada novo fato nos faz esquecer algum outro. Por isso, os fatos inúteis não devem afastar os úteis.”

“Mas o Sistema Solar!”, exclamei.

Original English Version

“You appear to be astonished,” he said, smiling at my expression of surprise. “Now that I do know it I shall do my best to forget it.”

“To forget it!”

“You see,” he explained, “I consider that a man’s brain originally is like a little empty attic, and you have to stock it with such furniture as you choose. A fool takes in all the lumber of every sort that he comes across, so that the knowledge which might be useful to him gets crowded out, or at best is jumbled up with a lot of other things so that he has a difficulty in laying his hands upon it. Now the skilful workman is very careful indeed as to what he takes into his brain-attic. He will have nothing but the tools which may help him in doing his work, but of these he has a large assortment, and all in the most perfect order. It is a mistake to think that that little room has elastic walls and can distend to any extent. Depend upon it there comes a time when for every addition of knowledge you forget something that you knew before. It is of the highest importance, therefore, not to have useless facts elbowing out the useful ones.”

“But the Solar System!” I protested.

Tradução Integral em Português

“O senhor parece espantado”, disse ele, sorrindo ao ver minha expressão de surpresa. “Agora que fiquei sabendo disso, farei o possível para esquecer.”

“Esquecê-lo!”

“Veja”, explicou ele, “considero que o cérebro de um homem é, de início, como um pequeno sótão vazio, que devemos guarnecer com os móveis que escolhermos. O tolo acolhe toda espécie de tralha que encontra, de modo que o conhecimento que lhe poderia ser útil fica sem espaço ou, na melhor das hipóteses, mistura-se a tantas outras coisas que ele tem dificuldade em encontrá-lo. Já o artífice hábil é extremamente cuidadoso com aquilo que leva para o seu sótão cerebral. Não guarda ali nada além das ferramentas que possam ajudá-lo no trabalho; destas, porém, possui grande sortimento, e todas se acham na mais perfeita ordem. É um erro pensar que esse quartinho tenha paredes elásticas e possa dilatar-se indefinidamente. Pode crer: chega o momento em que, para cada novo conhecimento adquirido, esquecemos algo que sabíamos antes. É, portanto, da maior importância não permitir que fatos inúteis desalojem os úteis.”

“Mas o Sistema Solar!” protestei.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Que importância isso tem para mim?”, disse ele, impaciente. “Você diz que giramos ao redor do Sol. Se girássemos ao redor da Lua, isso não faria diferença alguma para mim nem para o meu trabalho.”

Eu estava prestes a lhe perguntar qual era esse trabalho, mas sua maneira de agir me mostrou que a pergunta não seria bem recebida. Ainda assim, pensei em nossa breve conversa e tentei entendê-la. Ele dissera que aprenderia apenas o que ajudasse em seu objetivo. Portanto, tudo o que sabia devia lhe ser útil. Fiz uma lista das coisas que ele parecia conhecer muito bem e até as anotei a lápis. Quando terminei, não pude deixar de sorrir. A lista era assim:

Quando cheguei a esse ponto da lista, atirei-a ao fogo em desespero. “Se só conseguirei descobrir o objetivo desse sujeito reunindo todas essas habilidades e encontrando um trabalho que exija cada uma delas”, disse a mim mesmo, “é melhor desistir de tentar agora mesmo.”

Original English Version

“What the deuce is it to me?” he interrupted impatiently; “you say that we go round the sun. If we went round the moon it would not make a pennyworth of difference to me or to my work.”

I was on the point of asking him what that work might be, but something in his manner showed me that the question would be an unwelcome one. I pondered over our short conversation, however, and endeavoured to draw my deductions from it. He said that he would acquire no knowledge which did not bear upon his object. Therefore all the knowledge which he possessed was such as would be useful to him. I enumerated in my own mind all the various points upon which he had shown me that he was exceptionally well-informed. I even took a pencil and jotted them down. I could not help smiling at the document when I had completed it. It ran in this way -

When I had got so far in my list I threw it into the fire in despair. “If I can only find what the fellow is driving at by reconciling all these accomplishments, and discovering a calling which needs them all,” I said to myself, “I may as well give up the attempt at once.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Que diabos me importa isso?”, interrompeu ele, impaciente. “O senhor diz que giramos em torno do Sol. Se girássemos em torno da Lua, isso não faria a menor diferença para mim nem para o meu trabalho.”

Eu estava prestes a lhe perguntar qual seria esse trabalho, mas algo em sua maneira mostrou-me que a pergunta não seria bem-vinda. Refleti, contudo, sobre a nossa breve conversa e procurei extrair dela as minhas deduções. Ele dissera que não adquiriria conhecimento algum que não contribuísse para o seu objetivo. Logo, todos os conhecimentos que possuía lhe eram úteis. Enumerei mentalmente os diversos assuntos sobre os quais me demonstrara estar excepcionalmente bem-informado. Cheguei a pegar um lápis e anotá-los. Ao terminar, não pude deixar de sorrir diante do documento. Eis o que dizia -

Quando cheguei a esse ponto da minha lista, atirei-a ao fogo, desesperado. “Se, para descobrir aonde esse sujeito quer chegar, tenho de conciliar todas essas aptidões e encontrar uma profissão que exija cada uma delas”, disse comigo mesmo, “é melhor desistir logo da tentativa.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Já mencionei sua habilidade com o violino. Era extraordinária, mas tão estranha quanto os demais talentos que possuía. Eu sabia que ele conseguia tocar peças difíceis, pois, a meu pedido, tocara alguns dos Lieder de Mendelssohn e outras obras de que eu gostava. Quando estava sozinho, porém, raramente tocava música de verdade. À noite, recostava-se na poltrona, fechava os olhos e passava o arco sem cuidado pelas cordas do violino apoiado no joelho. Às vezes, as notas eram profundas e tristes. Em outras ocasiões, eram estranhas e alegres. Pareciam acompanhar seus pensamentos, mas eu não conseguia saber se a música o ajudava a pensar ou era apenas um capricho passageiro. Esses solos intermináveis poderiam ter me irritado, se ele não costumasse encerrá-los tocando uma série inteira de minhas melodias favoritas, como uma pequena recompensa por minha paciência.

Original English Version

I see that I have alluded above to his powers upon the violin. These were very remarkable, but as eccentric as all his other accomplishments. That he could play pieces, and difficult pieces, I knew well, because at my request he has played me some of Mendelssohn’s Lieder, and other favourites. When left to himself, however, he would seldom produce any music or attempt any recognized air. Leaning back in his armchair of an evening, he would close his eyes and scrape carelessly at the fiddle which was thrown across his knee. Sometimes the chords were sonorous and melancholy. Occasionally they were fantastic and cheerful. Clearly they reflected the thoughts which possessed him, but whether the music aided those thoughts, or whether the playing was simply the result of a whim or fancy was more than I could determine. I might have rebelled against these exasperating solos had it not been that he usually terminated them by playing in quick succession a whole series of my favourite airs as a slight compensation for the trial upon my patience.

Tradução Integral em Português

Vejo que aludi acima à sua habilidade com o violino. Ela era muito notável, mas tão excêntrica quanto todas as suas outras aptidões. Eu sabia muito bem que ele conseguia tocar peças, inclusive difíceis, pois, a meu pedido, tocara para mim alguns dos Lieder de Mendelssohn e outras peças prediletas. Quando entregue a si mesmo, contudo, raramente produzia música alguma ou tentava qualquer melodia conhecida. Recostado em sua poltrona ao cair da noite, fechava os olhos e raspava descuidadamente o arco no violino apoiado transversalmente sobre o joelho. Às vezes, os acordes eram sonoros e melancólicos; em outras, fantásticos e alegres. Sem dúvida refletiam os pensamentos que o dominavam, mas eu não conseguia determinar se a música auxiliava esses pensamentos ou se a execução resultava apenas de um capricho ou fantasia. Eu talvez me rebelasse contra aqueles solos exasperantes, não fosse o fato de ele em geral encerrá-los tocando, em rápida sucessão, toda uma série das minhas melodias favoritas, como pequena compensação pela provação imposta à minha paciência.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Durante a primeira semana, mais ou menos, não recebemos visitas, e comecei a pensar que meu companheiro não tinha amigos, assim como eu. Logo, porém, descobri que ele possuía muitos conhecidos de setores muito diferentes da sociedade. Um deles era um homem baixo, moreno e de rosto afilado chamado Sr. Lestrade, que apareceu três ou quatro vezes em uma única semana. Certa manhã, uma jovem elegantemente vestida nos visitou e ficou por meia hora ou mais. Naquela mesma tarde, veio um homem grisalho e malvestido, que parecia um vendedor judeu e demonstrava grande agitação; pouco depois, uma senhora mais velha e desalinhada o seguiu. Em outro dia, um cavalheiro idoso de cabelos brancos se reuniu com meu companheiro; em outro, veio um carregador ferroviário com seu uniforme de veludo. Sempre que essas pessoas estranhas chegavam, Sherlock Holmes pedia para usar a sala de estar, e eu me retirava para meu quarto. Ele sempre se desculpava pelo incômodo. “Preciso usar esta sala como local de trabalho”, dizia, “e essas pessoas são meus clientes.” Mais uma vez, tive vontade de lhe perguntar diretamente sobre o assunto, mas não o forcei a falar. Imaginei que tivesse algum forte motivo para guardar silêncio, mas logo ele próprio mudou essa situação ao tocar no assunto.

Original English Version

During the first week or so we had no callers, and I had begun to think that my companion was as friendless a man as I was myself. Presently, however, I found that he had many acquaintances, and those in the most different classes of society. There was one little sallow rat-faced, dark-eyed fellow who was introduced to me as Mr. Lestrade, and who came three or four times in a single week. One morning a young girl called, fashionably dressed, and stayed for half an hour or more. The same afternoon brought a grey-headed, seedy visitor, looking like a Jew pedlar, who appeared to me to be much excited, and who was closely followed by a slipshod elderly woman. On another occasion an old white-haired gentleman had an interview with my companion; and on another a railway porter in his velveteen uniform. When any of these nondescript individuals put in an appearance, Sherlock Holmes used to beg for the use of the sitting-room, and I would retire to my bedroom. He always apologized to me for putting me to this inconvenience. “I have to use this room as a place of business,” he said, “and these people are my clients.” Again I had an opportunity of asking him a point blank question, and again my delicacy prevented me from forcing another man to confide in me. I imagined at the time that he had some strong reason for not alluding to it, but he soon dispelled the idea by coming round to the subject of his own accord.

Tradução Integral em Português

Durante a primeira semana, mais ou menos, não recebemos visitantes, e eu começara a pensar que meu companheiro era um homem tão sem amigos quanto eu. Logo descobri, contudo, que ele tinha muitos conhecidos, pertencentes às mais diversas classes da sociedade. Havia um homenzinho amarelado, de rosto de rato e olhos escuros, que me foi apresentado como o Sr. Lestrade e que apareceu três ou quatro vezes numa única semana. Certa manhã, veio uma jovem vestida segundo a moda, que permaneceu meia hora ou mais. Naquela mesma tarde, apareceu um visitante grisalho e mal-ajambrado, com aspecto de mascate judeu; pareceu-me muito agitado e foi seguido de perto por uma mulher idosa e desleixada. Em outra ocasião, um velho cavalheiro de cabelos brancos conferenciou com o meu companheiro; em outra, foi a vez de um carregador ferroviário em seu uniforme de veludilho. Sempre que aparecia um desses indivíduos indefiníveis, Sherlock Holmes pedia que lhe cedesse a sala de estar, e eu me retirava para o quarto. Ele sempre se desculpava por me causar aquele incômodo. “Preciso usar esta sala como local de trabalho”, dizia, “e essas pessoas são os meus clientes.” Mais uma vez, tive a oportunidade de lhe fazer uma pergunta direta e, mais uma vez, a minha discrição me impediu de forçar outro homem a confiar em mim. Imaginei, na época, que ele tivesse alguma forte razão para não tocar no assunto, mas logo desfez essa ideia ao abordá-lo por iniciativa própria.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

No dia 4 de março, uma data de que me lembro bem, levantei-me um pouco mais cedo que de costume e descobri que Sherlock Holmes ainda não terminara o café da manhã. A senhoria havia se acostumado aos meus hábitos tardios, portanto meu lugar não estava preparado e meu café não estava pronto. Irritado, toquei a campainha e disse, de maneira brusca, que já estava à espera. Então peguei uma revista e tentei passar o tempo enquanto meu companheiro comia sua torrada em silêncio. O título de um dos artigos estava marcado a lápis, e naturalmente comecei a lê-lo.

Original English Version

It was upon the 4th of March, as I have good reason to remember, that I rose somewhat earlier than usual, and found that Sherlock Holmes had not yet finished his breakfast. The landlady had become so accustomed to my late habits that my place had not been laid nor my coffee prepared. With the unreasonable petulance of mankind I rang the bell and gave a curt intimation that I was ready. Then I picked up a magazine from the table and attempted to while away the time with it, while my companion munched silently at his toast. One of the articles had a pencil mark at the heading, and I naturally began to run my eye through it.

Tradução Integral em Português

Foi no dia 4 de março, como tenho boas razões para recordar, que me levantei um pouco mais cedo que de costume e descobri que Sherlock Holmes ainda não terminara o café da manhã. A proprietária estava tão habituada a eu me levantar tarde que não havia arrumado o meu lugar à mesa nem preparado o meu café. Com a irracional petulância própria da humanidade, toquei a campainha e avisei secamente que estava pronto. Em seguida, peguei uma revista da mesa e tentei entreter-me com ela, enquanto meu companheiro mastigava em silêncio as torradas. Um dos artigos tinha uma marca a lápis no título, e naturalmente comecei a passar os olhos por ele.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Seu título ousado era “O Livro da Vida”, e o artigo tentava mostrar quanto um homem observador poderia aprender estudando com cuidado e método tudo ao seu redor. Para mim, parecia ao mesmo tempo inteligente e ridículo. O raciocínio era perspicaz, mas as conclusões pareciam forçadas e exageradas. O autor dizia que, por meio de um rápido olhar, do movimento de um músculo ou de um relance dos olhos, conseguia compreender os pensamentos mais profundos de um homem. Afirmava que um observador treinado não podia ser enganado. Suas conclusões, dizia ele, eram tão seguras quanto as proposições de Euclides. Para quem não conhecesse seus métodos, os resultados pareceriam tão extraordinários que poderiam levá-lo a pensar que fosse um mágico.

Original English Version

Its somewhat ambitious title was “The Book of Life,” and it attempted to show how much an observant man might learn by an accurate and systematic examination of all that came in his way. It struck me as being a remarkable mixture of shrewdness and of absurdity. The reasoning was close and intense, but the deductions appeared to me to be far-fetched and exaggerated. The writer claimed by a momentary expression, a twitch of a muscle or a glance of an eye, to fathom a man’s inmost thoughts. Deceit, according to him, was an impossibility in the case of one trained to observation and analysis. His conclusions were as infallible as so many propositions of Euclid. So startling would his results appear to the uninitiated that until they learned the processes by which he had arrived at them they might well consider him as a necromancer.

Tradução Integral em Português

Seu título, um tanto ambicioso, era “O Livro da Vida”, e o artigo procurava mostrar quanto um homem observador poderia aprender mediante o exame acurado e sistemático de tudo o que lhe passasse diante dos olhos. Pareceu-me uma mistura notável de perspicácia e absurdo. O raciocínio era rigoroso e cerrado, mas as deduções me pareciam forçadas e exageradas. O autor afirmava poder sondar os pensamentos mais íntimos de um homem a partir de uma expressão momentânea, da contração de um músculo ou de um simples olhar. Segundo ele, era impossível enganar alguém treinado na observação e na análise. Suas conclusões eram tão infalíveis quanto proposições de Euclides. Seus resultados pareceriam tão espantosos aos não iniciados que, até aprenderem os processos pelos quais ele chegara a eles, bem poderiam tomá-lo por um nigromante.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“A partir de uma gota d'água”, dizia o autor, “um pensador poderia supor a possibilidade de um Atlântico ou de um Niágara, mesmo sem jamais tê-los visto ou ouvido falar deles. Assim, toda a vida é uma grande corrente e, se conhecermos um de seus elos, poderemos compreender a natureza do conjunto. Como qualquer arte, a Ciência da Dedução e da Análise só pode ser aprendida por meio de um estudo longo e paciente, e nenhuma vida humana é extensa o bastante para alcançar nela uma habilidade perfeita. Antes de passar aos problemas morais e mentais, que são os mais difíceis, o estudante deve começar pelos mais simples. Ao encontrar outra pessoa, deve aprender imediatamente a identificar sua história e seu ofício ou profissão. Isso pode parecer infantil, mas aguça a observação e ensina onde e como olhar. A ocupação de um homem aparece claramente em suas unhas, na manga do casaco, na bota, nos joelhos das calças, na pele endurecida do indicador e do polegar, no rosto e nos punhos da camisa. É quase impossível que todos esses sinais, em conjunto, deixem de revelar a um bom observador aquilo que ele precisa saber.”

Original English Version

“From a drop of water,” said the writer, “a logician could infer the possibility of an Atlantic or a Niagara without having seen or heard of one or the other. So all life is a great chain, the nature of which is known whenever we are shown a single link of it. Like all other arts, the Science of Deduction and Analysis is one which can only be acquired by long and patient study, nor is life long enough to allow any mortal to attain the highest possible perfection in it. Before turning to those moral and mental aspects of the matter which present the greatest difficulties, let the enquirer begin by mastering more elementary problems. Let him, on meeting a fellow-mortal, learn at a glance to distinguish the history of the man, and the trade or profession to which he belongs. Puerile as such an exercise may seem, it sharpens the faculties of observation, and teaches one where to look and what to look for. By a man’s finger nails, by his coat-sleeve, by his boot, by his trouser knees, by the callosities of his forefinger and thumb, by his expression, by his shirt cuffs - by each of these things a man’s calling is plainly revealed. That all united should fail to enlighten the competent enquirer in any case is almost inconceivable.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“A partir de uma gota d’água”, dizia o autor, “um lógico poderia inferir a possibilidade de um Atlântico ou de um Niágara sem jamais ter visto ou ouvido falar de um ou de outro. Assim, toda a vida é uma grande cadeia, cuja natureza conhecemos quando nos mostram um único de seus elos. Como todas as outras artes, a Ciência da Dedução e da Análise só pode ser adquirida por meio de estudo longo e paciente; e nem mesmo uma vida inteira basta para que um mortal atinja nela a mais alta perfeição possível. Antes de se voltar para os aspectos morais e mentais da questão, que apresentam as maiores dificuldades, comece o investigador por dominar problemas mais elementares. Ao encontrar um semelhante, aprenda ele a distinguir num relance a história do homem e o ofício ou profissão a que pertence. Por mais pueril que esse exercício pareça, ele aguça as faculdades de observação e ensina onde olhar e o que procurar. Pelas unhas de um homem, pela manga de seu casaco, por sua bota, pelos joelhos das calças, pelas calosidades do indicador e do polegar, por sua expressão, pelos punhos da camisa - cada uma dessas coisas revela claramente a sua ocupação. É quase inconcebível que, reunidas, todas elas deixem de esclarecer o investigador competente em qualquer caso.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Que completo absurdo!”, exclamei, atirando a revista sobre a mesa. “Nunca li tamanha bobagem em toda a minha vida.”

“O que foi?”, perguntou Sherlock Holmes.

“Este artigo”, disse eu, apontando para ele com a colher de ovo enquanto me sentava para tomar o café da manhã. “Vejo que você o leu, pois o marcou. Não nego que seja bem escrito. Mas ele me irrita. É claramente obra de algum pensador de poltrona, criando pequenos paradoxos bem-arrumados em seu gabinete. Não é prático. Gostaria de vê-lo colocado em um vagão de terceira classe do metrô e obrigado a dizer a profissão de todos os outros passageiros. Eu apostaria mil contra um contra ele.”

“Você perderia seu dinheiro”, disse Sherlock Holmes calmamente. “Quanto ao artigo, fui eu quem o escreveu.”

“Você!”

“Sim, tenho talento tanto para a observação quanto para a dedução. As ideias que escrevi ali talvez lhe pareçam impossíveis, mas são muito úteis. É delas que tiro meu sustento.”

Original English Version

“What ineffable twaddle!” I cried, slapping the magazine down on the table, “I never read such rubbish in my life.”

“What is it?” asked Sherlock Holmes.

“Why, this article,” I said, pointing at it with my egg spoon as I sat down to my breakfast. “I see that you have read it since you have marked it. I don’t deny that it is smartly written. It irritates me though. It is evidently the theory of some armchair lounger who evolves all these neat little paradoxes in the seclusion of his own study. It is not practical. I should like to see him clapped down in a third class carriage on the Underground, and asked to give the trades of all his fellow-travellers. I would lay a thousand to one against him.”

“You would lose your money,” Sherlock Holmes remarked calmly. “As for the article, I wrote it myself.”

“You!”

“Yes, I have a turn both for observation and for deduction. The theories which I have expressed there, and which appear to you to be so chimerical are really extremely practical - so practical that I depend upon them for my bread and cheese.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Que asneira inqualificável!”, exclamei, batendo a revista na mesa. “Nunca li tamanha bobagem em toda a minha vida.”

“O que é?” perguntou Sherlock Holmes.

“Ora, este artigo”, disse eu, apontando para ele com a colher de ovo enquanto me sentava para o café da manhã. “Vejo que você o leu, pois o marcou. Não nego que esteja escrito com habilidade. Ainda assim, ele me irrita. É evidentemente a teoria de algum ocioso de poltrona que engendra todos esses pequenos e elegantes paradoxos na reclusão do próprio gabinete. Não é nada prático. Gostaria de vê-lo atirado num vagão de terceira classe do metrô e desafiado a indicar o ofício de cada um de seus companheiros de viagem. Eu apostaria mil contra um que fracassaria.”

“O senhor perderia o seu dinheiro”, observou Sherlock Holmes, calmamente. “Quanto ao artigo, fui eu mesmo que o escrevi.”

“Você!”

“Sim, tenho pendor tanto para a observação quanto para a dedução. As teorias que expus ali, e que lhe parecem tão quiméricas, são na verdade extremamente práticas - tão práticas que delas tiro o meu sustento.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“E como?”, perguntei imediatamente.

“Bem, tenho meu próprio trabalho. Suponho que seja o único no mundo. Sou um detetive consultor, se sabe o que isso significa. Aqui em Londres há muitos detetives do Governo e muitos particulares. Quando não conseguem resolver um caso, vêm até mim, e eu os ajudo a encontrar a resposta certa. Eles me apresentam todas as provas, e geralmente consigo colocar as coisas em ordem usando meu conhecimento da história do crime. Os delitos costumam seguir os mesmos padrões. Quando se conhecem os detalhes de mil casos, seria estranho não conseguir resolver o milésimo primeiro. Lestrade é um detetive conhecido. Recentemente, ficou confuso diante de um caso de falsificação, e foi isso que o trouxe aqui.”

“E essas outras pessoas?”

“A maioria chega por intermédio de agências particulares. São pessoas que têm algum problema e querem ajuda. Ouço sua história, elas ouvem meu conselho, e então recebo meus honorários.”

Original English Version

“And how?” I asked involuntarily.

“Well, I have a trade of my own. I suppose I am the only one in the world. I’m a consulting detective, if you can understand what that is. Here in London we have lots of Government detectives and lots of private ones. When these fellows are at fault they come to me, and I manage to put them on the right scent. They lay all the evidence before me, and I am generally able, by the help of my knowledge of the history of crime, to set them straight. There is a strong family resemblance about misdeeds, and if you have all the details of a thousand at your finger ends, it is odd if you can’t unravel the thousand and first. Lestrade is a well-known detective. He got himself into a fog recently over a forgery case, and that was what brought him here.”

“And these other people?”

“They are mostly sent on by private inquiry agencies. They are all people who are in trouble about something, and want a little enlightening. I listen to their story, they listen to my comments, and then I pocket my fee.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“E como?” perguntei involuntariamente.

“Bem, tenho uma profissão só minha. Creio ser o único no mundo. Sou detetive consultor, se você consegue compreender o que isso significa. Aqui em Londres há muitos detetives do Governo e muitos detetives particulares. Quando esses sujeitos não sabem como prosseguir, recorrem a mim, e eu consigo colocá-los na pista certa. Apresentam-me todas as evidências e, em geral, valendo-me dos meus conhecimentos sobre a história do crime, consigo orientá-los. Há uma forte semelhança de família entre os delitos e, quando se têm na ponta dos dedos todos os detalhes de mil deles, seria estranho não conseguir deslindar o milésimo primeiro. Lestrade é um detetive muito conhecido. Recentemente, perdeu-se por completo num caso de falsificação, e foi isso que o trouxe aqui.”

“E essas outras pessoas?”

“São, na maioria, encaminhadas por agências particulares de investigação. São todas pessoas que estão em apuros por causa de algo e querem um pouco de esclarecimento. Eu ouço a história delas, elas ouvem os meus comentários e depois embolso os meus honorários.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Mas quer dizer”, perguntei, “que, sem sair desta sala, você consegue resolver um problema que outros homens não conseguem compreender, mesmo depois de terem visto pessoalmente todos os detalhes?”

“Sim, exatamente. Tenho uma espécie de instinto para isso. Às vezes, um caso é mais complicado, e então preciso sair e examinar as coisas pessoalmente. Possuo conhecimentos especiais que uso para resolver o problema, e eles ajudam muito. As regras de dedução apresentadas naquele artigo, das quais você zombou, são muito úteis no trabalho real. Estou acostumado a observar as coisas. Você ficou surpreso quando lhe disse, em nosso primeiro encontro, que havia voltado do Afeganistão.”

“Suponho que alguém tenha lhe contado.”

Original English Version

“But do you mean to say,” I said, “that without leaving your room you can unravel some knot which other men can make nothing of, although they have seen every detail for themselves?”

“Quite so. I have a kind of intuition that way. Now and again a case turns up which is a little more complex. Then I have to bustle about and see things with my own eyes. You see I have a lot of special knowledge which I apply to the problem, and which facilitates matters wonderfully. Those rules of deduction laid down in that article which aroused your scorn, are invaluable to me in practical work. Observation with me is second nature. You appeared to be surprised when I told you, on our first meeting, that you had come from Afghanistan.”

“You were told, no doubt.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Mas você quer dizer”, disse eu, “que, sem sair do seu aposento, consegue deslindar algum nó de que outros homens não conseguem tirar nada, embora tenham visto cada detalhe com os próprios olhos?”

“Exatamente. Tenho uma espécie de intuição nesse sentido. Vez por outra, surge um caso um pouco mais complexo. Então preciso sair a campo e ver as coisas com os meus próprios olhos. Veja, possuo muitos conhecimentos especializados que aplico ao problema e que facilitam extraordinariamente o trabalho. Aquelas regras de dedução expostas no artigo que despertou o seu escárnio são inestimáveis para mim na prática. A observação tornou-se a minha segunda natureza. Você pareceu surpreso quando, em nosso primeiro encontro, eu lhe disse que viera do Afeganistão.”

“Alguém lhe disse, sem dúvida.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“De modo algum. Eu sabia que você tinha vindo do Afeganistão. O longo hábito fez meus pensamentos avançarem tão depressa que cheguei à resposta sem perceber as etapas. Mas houve etapas. Pensei: ‘Aqui está um cavalheiro com aparência de médico, mas também de soldado. Portanto, é um médico do exército. Acaba de voltar dos trópicos, pois seu rosto está escuro, mas seus pulsos são claros, então essa cor não é natural. Parece cansado e doente, portanto passou por dificuldades. Seu braço esquerdo foi ferido. Ele o mantém rígido. Em que lugar dos trópicos um médico do exército inglês poderia ter sofrido tanto e sido ferido no braço? Evidentemente, no Afeganistão.’ Tudo isso levou menos de um segundo. Então eu disse que você havia voltado do Afeganistão, e você ficou espantado.”

“Parece bastante fácil quando você explica”, disse eu, sorrindo. “Você me faz lembrar Dupin, de Edgar Allan Poe. Eu não sabia que pessoas assim existiam fora das histórias.”

Original English Version

“Nothing of the sort. I knew you came from Afghanistan. From long habit the train of thoughts ran so swiftly through my mind, that I arrived at the conclusion without being conscious of intermediate steps. There were such steps, however. The train of reasoning ran, ‘Here is a gentleman of a medical type, but with the air of a military man. Clearly an army doctor, then. He has just come from the tropics, for his face is dark, and that is not the natural tint of his skin, for his wrists are fair. He has undergone hardship and sickness, as his haggard face says clearly. His left arm has been injured. He holds it in a stiff and unnatural manner. Where in the tropics could an English army doctor have seen much hardship and got his arm wounded? Clearly in Afghanistan.’ The whole train of thought did not occupy a second. I then remarked that you came from Afghanistan, and you were astonished.”

“It is simple enough as you explain it,” I said, smiling. “You remind me of Edgar Allan Poe’s Dupin. I had no idea that such individuals did exist outside of stories.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Nada disso. Eu sabia que você viera do Afeganistão. Graças ao longo hábito, o encadeamento de ideias correu-me pela mente com tal rapidez que cheguei à conclusão sem tomar consciência das etapas intermediárias. Essas etapas existiram, contudo. O raciocínio foi o seguinte: ‘Eis um cavalheiro com aparência de médico, mas porte de militar. Evidentemente, portanto, um médico do exército. Acaba de voltar dos trópicos, pois tem o rosto bronzeado, e esse não é o tom natural de sua pele, já que os pulsos são claros. Sofreu privações e enfermidades, como mostra claramente o rosto macilento. O braço esquerdo foi ferido. Ele o mantém rígido, numa posição antinatural. Em que lugar dos trópicos poderia um médico do exército inglês ter sofrido tantas privações e sido ferido no braço? Evidentemente, no Afeganistão.’ Todo esse encadeamento de ideias não levou um segundo. Então observei que você viera do Afeganistão, e você ficou espantado.”

“Parece bastante simples quando você explica”, disse eu, sorrindo. “Você me lembra o Dupin de Edgar Allan Poe. Nunca imaginei que tais indivíduos existissem fora das histórias.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Sherlock Holmes se levantou e acendeu o cachimbo. “Talvez pense que está me elogiando ao me comparar com Dupin”, disse ele. “Mas considero Dupin muito menos habilidoso. Seu truque de interromper os pensamentos dos amigos depois de quinze minutos de silêncio parece inteligente, mas na verdade é apenas exibicionismo. Ele possuía certo talento para a análise, é claro, porém não era a grande maravilha que Poe parecia imaginar.”

“Você leu os livros de Gaboriau?”, perguntei. “Lecoq corresponde à sua ideia de um detetive?”

Sherlock Holmes soltou um resmungo frio e grosseiro. “Lecoq era um pobre fracassado”, disse com irritação. “A única coisa boa nele era sua energia. Aquele livro me deu náuseas. O problema era identificar um prisioneiro desconhecido. Eu poderia ter feito isso em vinte e quatro horas. Lecoq levou cerca de seis meses. O livro deveria servir para ensinar aos detetives o que devem evitar.”

Original English Version

Sherlock Holmes rose and lit his pipe. “No doubt you think that you are complimenting me in comparing me to Dupin,” he observed. “Now, in my opinion, Dupin was a very inferior fellow. That trick of his of breaking in on his friends’ thoughts with an apropos remark after a quarter of an hour’s silence is really very showy and superficial. He had some analytical genius, no doubt; but he was by no means such a phenomenon as Poe appeared to imagine.”

“Have you read Gaboriau’s works?” I asked. “Does Lecoq come up to your idea of a detective?”

Sherlock Holmes sniffed sardonically. “Lecoq was a miserable bungler,” he said, in an angry voice; “he had only one thing to recommend him, and that was his energy. That book made me positively ill. The question was how to identify an unknown prisoner. I could have done it in twenty-four hours. Lecoq took six months or so. It might be made a textbook for detectives to teach them what to avoid.”

Tradução Integral em Português

Sherlock Holmes levantou-se e acendeu o cachimbo. “Sem dúvida, você pensa estar me elogiando ao me comparar a Dupin”, observou. “Pois, em minha opinião, Dupin era um sujeito muito inferior. Aquele truque de interromper o curso dos pensamentos dos amigos com uma observação pertinente depois de um quarto de hora de silêncio é, na verdade, muito teatral e superficial. Ele possuía algum talento analítico, sem dúvida, mas não era de modo algum o fenômeno que Poe parecia imaginar.”

“Você leu as obras de Gaboriau?”, perguntei. “Lecoq corresponde à sua ideia de um detetive?”

Sherlock Holmes deu uma fungada sardônica. “Lecoq era um trapalhão deplorável”, disse em tom irritado. “Tinha um único mérito: a energia. Aquele livro chegou a me deixar enjoado. A questão era como identificar um prisioneiro desconhecido. Eu o teria feito em vinte e quatro horas; Lecoq levou cerca de seis meses. O livro poderia servir de manual para ensinar aos detetives o que evitar.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Fiquei irritado por ele falar com tanto desprezo de dois personagens que eu admirava. Fui até a janela e olhei para a rua movimentada. “Este homem pode ser muito inteligente”, pensei, “mas sem dúvida é muito arrogante.”

“Hoje em dia não há crimes nem criminosos”, disse ele em tom aborrecido. “Para que serve a inteligência em nosso trabalho? Sei que poderia me tornar famoso. Ninguém que vive hoje, nem ninguém que já tenha vivido, dedicou ao estudo e à capacidade natural para a investigação de crimes tanto quanto eu. E o que recebo em troca? Nenhum crime verdadeiro para resolver, ou apenas delitos tolos, com motivos tão claros que até um policial da Scotland Yard consegue enxergá-los.”

Eu ainda estava irritado com sua maneira orgulhosa de falar. Decidi mudar de assunto.

“Gostaria de saber o que aquele homem está procurando”, disse eu, apontando para um homem forte, em roupas comuns, que caminhava devagar do outro lado da rua e examinava, preocupado, os números das casas. Trazia um grande envelope azul na mão e parecia estar entregando uma mensagem.

Original English Version

I felt rather indignant at having two characters whom I had admired treated in this cavalier style. I walked over to the window, and stood looking out into the busy street. “This fellow may be very clever,” I said to myself, “but he is certainly very conceited.”

“There are no crimes and no criminals in these days,” he said, querulously. “What is the use of having brains in our profession? I know well that I have it in me to make my name famous. No man lives or has ever lived who has brought the same amount of study and of natural talent to the detection of crime which I have done. And what is the result? There is no crime to detect, or, at most, some bungling villainy with a motive so transparent that even a Scotland Yard official can see through it.”

I was still annoyed at his bumptious style of conversation. I thought it best to change the topic.

“I wonder what that fellow is looking for?” I asked, pointing to a stalwart, plainly-dressed individual who was walking slowly down the other side of the street, looking anxiously at the numbers. He had a large blue envelope in his hand, and was evidently the bearer of a message.

Tradução Integral em Português

Senti-me um tanto indignado ao ver dois personagens que eu admirava tratados de maneira tão desdenhosa. Fui até a janela e fiquei olhando para a rua movimentada. “Esse sujeito pode ser muito inteligente”, disse comigo mesmo, “mas é decerto muito convencido.”

“Hoje em dia não há crimes nem criminosos”, disse ele, em tom queixoso. “De que serve ter inteligência em nossa profissão? Sei muito bem que tenho capacidade para tornar célebre o meu nome. Não vive, nem jamais viveu, homem algum que tenha dedicado à detecção do crime a mesma soma de estudo e talento natural que eu. E qual é o resultado? Não há crime para detectar; quando muito, alguma vilania canhestra, com motivo tão transparente que até um funcionário da Scotland Yard consegue percebê-lo.”

Eu ainda estava aborrecido com o seu estilo arrogante de conversar. Achei melhor mudar de assunto.

“Pergunto-me o que aquele sujeito está procurando”, disse eu, apontando para um indivíduo robusto e simplesmente vestido que caminhava lentamente pelo outro lado da rua, olhando ansiosamente para os números. Ele tinha um grande envelope azul na mão e era evidentemente o portador de uma mensagem.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Você se refere ao sargento reformado dos Fuzileiros Navais”, disse Sherlock Holmes.

“Exibido!”, pensei. “Ele sabe que não posso verificar seu palpite.”

Eu mal havia terminado esse pensamento quando o homem que observávamos viu o número de nossa porta e atravessou a rua correndo. Ouvimos uma batida forte, uma voz grave no andar de baixo e passos pesados subindo a escada.

“Para o Sr. Sherlock Holmes”, disse ele. Entrou na sala e entregou a carta ao meu amigo.

Era uma oportunidade de diminuir seu orgulho. Ele não esperava por isso quando dera aquele palpite feliz. “Posso perguntar, meu rapaz”, disse eu com toda a educação que consegui, “qual é a sua ocupação?”

“Mensageiro, senhor”, respondeu com voz áspera. “O uniforme está no conserto.”

“E o que você era antes?”, perguntei, lançando um olhar um tanto maldoso para meu companheiro.

“Sargento, senhor, na Infantaria Ligeira dos Fuzileiros Navais Reais, senhor. Nenhuma resposta? Muito bem, senhor.”

Original English Version

“You mean the retired sergeant of Marines,” said Sherlock Holmes.

“Brag and bounce!” thought I to myself. “He knows that I cannot verify his guess.”

The thought had hardly passed through my mind when the man whom we were watching caught sight of the number on our door, and ran rapidly across the roadway. We heard a loud knock, a deep voice below, and heavy steps ascending the stair.

“For Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” he said, stepping into the room and handing my friend the letter.

Here was an opportunity of taking the conceit out of him. He little thought of this when he made that random shot. “May I ask, my lad,” I said, in the blandest voice, “what your trade may be?”

“Commissionaire, sir,” he said, gruffly. “Uniform away for repairs.”

“And you were?” I asked, with a slightly malicious glance at my companion.

“A sergeant, sir, Royal Marine Light Infantry, sir. No answer? Right, sir.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“O senhor quer dizer o sargento reformado dos Fuzileiros Navais”, disse Sherlock Holmes.

“Bazófia e bravata!”, pensei comigo mesmo. “Ele sabe que não posso comprovar seu palpite.”

Mal o pensamento passara pela minha mente quando o homem que observávamos avistou o número na nossa porta e correu rapidamente pela rua. Ouvimos uma batida forte, uma voz grave lá embaixo e passos pesados subindo a escada.

“Para o Sr. Sherlock Holmes”, disse ele, entrando na sala e entregando a carta ao meu amigo.

Era a oportunidade de lhe abater a presunção. Ele mal previra isso ao arriscar aquele palpite. “Posso perguntar, meu rapaz”, disse eu com a voz mais afável que pude, “qual é o seu ofício?”

“Contínuo, senhor”, disse ele, rispidamente. “Uniforme mandado para conserto.”

“E antes disso?”, perguntei, lançando a meu companheiro um olhar levemente malicioso.

“Sargento, senhor, da Infantaria Ligeira dos Fuzileiros Navais Reais, senhor. Nenhuma resposta? Muito bem, senhor.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Ele bateu os calcanhares, ergueu a mão em continência e saiu.

Original English Version

He clicked his heels together, raised his hand in a salute, and was gone.

Tradução Integral em Português

Ele bateu os calcanhares, ergueu a mão numa continência e se foi.

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

The Lauriston Gardens Mystery

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

Devo admitir que fiquei muito surpreso com essa nova prova das ideias práticas de meu companheiro. Meu respeito por sua capacidade de análise aumentou muito. Ainda assim, restava-me uma pequena dúvida de que tudo tivesse sido planejado para me impressionar, embora eu não compreendesse por que ele desejaria me enganar. Quando olhei para ele, já havia terminado de ler o bilhete, e seus olhos tinham a expressão vazia e apagada de alguém mergulhado em pensamentos.

“Como diabos você descobriu aquilo?”, perguntei.

“Deduzir o quê?”, disse ele, aborrecido.

“Que ele era um sargento reformado dos Fuzileiros Navais.”

“Não tenho tempo para ninharias”, respondeu bruscamente. Então sorriu. “Desculpe a grosseria. Você interrompeu meus pensamentos, mas talvez não haja problema. Então realmente não percebeu que o homem era sargento dos Fuzileiros Navais?”

“Não, não percebi.”

Original English Version

I confess that I was considerably startled by this fresh proof of the practical nature of my companion’s theories. My respect for his powers of analysis increased wondrously. There still remained some lurking suspicion in my mind, however, that the whole thing was a prearranged episode, intended to dazzle me, though what earthly object he could have in taking me in was past my comprehension. When I looked at him he had finished reading the note, and his eyes had assumed the vacant, lacklustre expression which showed mental abstraction.

“How in the world did you deduce that?” I asked.

“Deduce what?” said he, petulantly.

“Why, that he was a retired sergeant of Marines.”

“I have no time for trifles,” he answered, brusquely; then with a smile, “Excuse my rudeness. You broke the thread of my thoughts; but perhaps it is as well. So you actually were not able to see that that man was a sergeant of Marines?”

“No, indeed.”

Tradução Integral em Português

Confesso que fiquei bastante sobressaltado com essa nova prova do caráter prático das teorias do meu companheiro. Meu respeito por seus poderes de análise aumentou extraordinariamente. Ainda persistia em minha mente, contudo, a suspeita de que tudo aquilo fosse um episódio preparado de antemão para me deslumbrar, embora eu não conseguisse conceber que finalidade ele poderia ter ao me enganar. Quando olhei para ele, já terminara de ler o bilhete, e seus olhos haviam assumido a expressão vaga e sem brilho que denotava abstração mental.

“Como diabos você deduziu isso?” perguntei.

“Deduzi o quê?” disse ele, petulante.

“Ora, que ele era um sargento reformado dos Fuzileiros Navais.”

“Não tenho tempo para ninharias”, respondeu ele, bruscamente; depois, com um sorriso: “Desculpe a minha grosseria. Você rompeu o fio dos meus pensamentos; mas talvez seja melhor assim. Então você realmente não conseguiu ver que aquele homem era um sargento dos Fuzileiros Navais?”

“Não, deveras.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Tradução da Versão Simplificada (B1)

“Foi mais fácil saber do que explicar como soube. Se lhe pedissem para provar que dois mais dois são quatro, talvez achasse difícil, embora tivesse certeza de que é verdade. Mesmo do outro lado da rua, consegui ver uma grande âncora azul tatuada no dorso da mão do homem. Aquilo indicava o mar. Ele também tinha postura militar e costeletas apropriadas. Portanto, ali estava o fuzileiro naval. Parecia orgulhoso e acostumado a comandar. Você deve ter notado como mantinha a cabeça erguida e balançava a bengala. Também parecia firme, respeitável e de meia-idade. Todos esses fatos me levaram a concluir que havia sido sargento.”

Original English Version

“It was easier to know it than to explain why I knew it. If you were asked to prove that two and two made four, you might find some difficulty, and yet you are quite sure of the fact. Even across the street I could see a great blue anchor tattooed on the back of the fellow’s hand. That smacked of the sea. He had a military carriage, however, and regulation side whiskers. There we have the marine. He was a man with some amount of self-importance and a certain air of command. You must have observed the way in which he held his head and swung his cane. A steady, respectable, middle-aged man, too, on the face of him - all facts which led me to believe that he had been a sergeant.”

Tradução Integral em Português

“Foi mais fácil sabê-lo do que explicar como eu o sabia. Se lhe pedissem que provasse que dois mais dois são quatro, talvez encontrasse alguma dificuldade, embora tenha plena certeza do fato. Mesmo do outro lado da rua, pude ver uma grande âncora azul tatuada no dorso da mão do sujeito. Aquilo tinha cheiro de mar. Ele apresentava, contudo, um porte militar e suíças regulamentares. Aí está o fuzileiro naval. Era também um homem com boa dose de presunção e certo ar de comando. Você deve ter notado a maneira como mantinha a cabeça e balançava a bengala. Além disso, à primeira vista, era um homem firme, respeitável e de meia-idade - todos fatos que me levaram a crer que fora sargento.”

Retorna à Versão Inglês Simplificada    Go to the Original English Version

Glossary: New Words

Priority words from the simplified reading and post-nominal letters found in this book. Post-nominals are abbreviations placed after a person's name to identify honours, professional memberships, academic titles or qualifications. Each entry shows up to six real uses; Back to B1 opens the exact simplified sentence, while Back to Original opens the exact paragraph in Original English.

acquaintances /əˈkweɪntənsɪz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: conhecidos; conhecidas

Simple English: People one knows but who are not necessarily close friends.

Example: Several of her acquaintances saw them together in the shop.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. But soon I found that he had many acquaintances from very different parts of society. Go to

Original English Version

1. Presently, however, I found that he had many acquaintances, and those in the most different classes of society. Go to

agency /ˈeɪdʒənsi/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: agência; organismo; arbítrio

Simple English: A business providing services or representing clients professionally.

Example: She works at an advertising agency that specializes in digital marketing.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Most of them come through private agencies. Go to

airy /ˈeri/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: arejado; leve; displicente

Simple English: With plenty of fresh air; also light and not serious.

Example: The new office is bright and airy.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There were two comfortable bedrooms and one large, airy sitting room. Go to

Original English Version

1. They consisted of a couple of comfortable bedrooms and a single large airy sitting-room, cheerfully furnished, and illuminated by two broad windows. Go to

alkaloid /ˈælkəlɔɪd/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: alcaloide

Simple English: A naturally occurring chemical compound, often with a strong effect on the body.

Example: The poison contained a powerful alkaloid.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I could imagine his giving a friend a little pinch of the latest vegetable alkaloid, not out of malevolence, you understand, but simply out of a spirit of inquiry in order to have an accurate idea of the effects. Go to

angrily /ˈæŋɡrɪli/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: com raiva; furiosamente

Simple English: In a way that shows anger.

Example: He shouted angrily at the door.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Lecoq was a poor failure,” he said angrily. Go to

annoys /əˈnɔɪz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: irrita; aborrece

Simple English: Makes someone slightly angry or impatient.

Example: The buzzing of the fly annoys me while I work.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. But it annoys me. Go to

anxiously /ˈæŋkʃəsli/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ansiosamente; preocupadamente

Simple English: In a worried and nervous way.

Example: She waited anxiously for the news.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Do you count violin playing as noise?” he asked anxiously. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Do you include violin-playing in your category of rows?” he asked, anxiously. Go to

2. “I wonder what that fellow is looking for?” I asked, pointing to a stalwart, plainly-dressed individual who was walking slowly down the other side of the street, looking anxiously at the numbers. Go to

apologize /əˈpɒlədʒaɪz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: pedir desculpas; me desculpar; desculpa

Simple English: To say you are sorry for doing something wrong.

Example: I want to apologize for my mistake last week.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He always apologized for the trouble. Go to

applauding /əˈplɔːdɪŋ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: aplaudindo

Simple English: Showing approval by clapping or cheering.

Example: He bowed as if an applauding crowd stood before him.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He put his hand over his heart and bowed, as if an applauding crowd stood before him in his mind. Go to

Original English Version

1. His eyes fairly glittered as he spoke, and he put his hand over his heart and bowed as if to some applauding crowd conjured up by his imagination. Go to

arched /ɑːrtʃt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: arqueado; em arco; abobadado

Simple English: Curved in the shape of an arch.

Example: They walked under an arched doorway.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Near the far end, a low arched passage branched off and led to the chemical laboratory. Go to

Original English Version

1. Near the further end a low arched passage branched away from it and led to the chemical laboratory. Go to

armchair /ˈɑːrmtʃer/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: poltrona

Simple English: A comfortable chair with supports for the arms.

Example: He read the paper in the same armchair every evening.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. In the evening he would lean back in his armchair, close his eyes, and draw carelessly across the violin on his knee. Go to

Original English Version

1. Leaning back in his armchair of an evening, he would close his eyes and scrape carelessly at the fiddle which was thrown across his knee. Go to

2. It is evidently the theory of some armchair lounger who evolves all these neat little paradoxes in the seclusion of his own study. Go to

barts /bɑːrts/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Barts (Hospital de São Bartolomeu)

Simple English: A short, common name for St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London, where Watson meets Stamford.

Example: I turned and saw young Stamford, who had once worked under me at Barts.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I turned and saw young Stamford, who had once worked under me at Barts. Go to

Original English Version

1. On the very day that I had come to this conclusion, I was standing at the Criterion Bar, when someone tapped me on the shoulder, and turning round I recognized young Stamford, who had been a dresser under me at Barts. Go to

beat /biːt/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: bater; vencer; batida

Simple English: The main rhythm or pulse of a musical piece or poem.

Example: The beat of the song made everyone want to dance immediately.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When it leads to beating the bodies in the dissecting rooms with a stick, it is certainly becoming strange.” Go to

2. “Beating the bodies!” Go to

bent (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: dobrado; curvado; torto

Simple English: not straight

Example: The old nail was bent.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He was bent over a table at the far end, deeply busy with his work. Go to

berkshires /ˈbɑːrkʃərz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Berkshires (regimento britânico)

Simple English: A British Army regiment; Watson says he was sent to serve with it before being wounded.

Example: I was moved from my brigade and sent to the Berkshires, and I served with them at the terrible battle of Maiwand.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I was moved from my brigade and sent to the Berkshires, and I served with them at the terrible battle of Maiwand. Go to

Original English Version

1. I was removed from my brigade and attached to the Berkshires, with whom I served at the fatal battle of Maiwand. Go to

bischoff /vɒn ˈbɪʃɔːf/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Von Bischoff (caso citado na história)

Simple English: A poisoner named in the story as an example, said to have committed his crime in Frankfurt.

Example: There was the case of Von Bischoff at Frankfort last year.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “There was the case of Von Bischoff at Frankfort last year. Go to

Original English Version

1. “There was the case of Von Bischoff at Frankfort last year. Go to

blame /bleɪm/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: culpar; culpa; responsabilizar

Simple English: To say or feel someone is responsible for a problem.

Example: It's easy to blame others when things go wrong, but we should take responsibility too.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “You must not blame me if you do not get along with him,” he said. Go to

bleak /bliːk/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desolado; inóspito; sombrio

Simple English: Cold, bare and without comfort or hope.

Example: The bleak moor had no trees and no shelter from the wind.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. It was familiar ground to me, and I needed no guiding as we ascended the bleak stone staircase and made our way down the long corridor with its vista of whitewashed wall and dun-coloured doors. Go to

bowed /boʊd/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: vergou; curvou-se; inclinou-se

Simple English: Bent forward or downward.

Example: The long grass bowed before the wind.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He put his hand over his heart and bowed, as if an applauding crowd stood before him in his mind. Go to

Original English Version

1. His eyes fairly glittered as he spoke, and he put his hand over his heart and bowed as if to some applauding crowd conjured up by his imagination. Go to

branched /bræntʃt/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ramificou-se; dividido em ramos

Simple English: Divided or spread into branches or separate paths.

Example: Several large streets branched off from the main road.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Near the far end, a low arched passage branched off and led to the chemical laboratory. Go to

Original English Version

1. Near the further end a low arched passage branched away from it and led to the chemical laboratory. Go to

brightly /ˈbraɪtli/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: intensamente; com brilho

Simple English: In a way that gives a lot of light.

Example: The sun shone brightly all morning.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As he spoke, his eyes shone brightly. Go to

bruising /ˈbruːzɪŋ/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: hematomas; ato de machucar

Simple English: The act of injuring tissue or the dark marks caused by such injury.

Example: The beating left severe bruising around his eye.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Yes, to check how much bruising can happen after death. Go to

bullet /ˈbʊlɪt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: bala; marcador; tiro

Simple English: Small cylindrical metal projectile fired from a gun.

Example: The bullet missed the target and hit the wall instead.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There I was hit in the shoulder by a Jezail bullet. Go to

bunsen /ˈbʌnsən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Bunsen (lâmpada/bico de Bunsen)

Simple English: From Robert Bunsen, a real German chemist; a 'Bunsen lamp' or 'Bunsen burner' is a laboratory gas flame named after him.

Example: Wide low tables stood around it, covered with retorts, test tubes, and small Bunsen lamps with blue flickering flames.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Wide low tables stood around it, covered with retorts, test tubes, and small Bunsen lamps with blue flames. Go to

Original English Version

1. Broad, low tables were scattered about, which bristled with retorts, test-tubes, and little Bunsen lamps, with their blue flickering flames. Go to

candahar /ˌkændəˈhɑːr/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Candahar (Kandahar, Afeganistão)

Simple English: An old English spelling of Kandahar, a real city in Afghanistan, mentioned in Watson's war memories.

Example: I went after them with many other officers in the same situation, and I safely reached Candahar, where I found my regiment.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I went after them with many other officers in the same situation, and I safely reached Candahar, where I found my regiment and started my new work at once. Go to

Original English Version

1. I followed, however, with many other officers who were in the same situation as myself, and succeeded in reaching Candahar in safety, where I found my regiment, and at once entered upon my new duties. Go to

capture /ˈkæptʃər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: capturar; captura; captar

Simple English: To catch and keep someone or something under control.

Example: They managed to capture several rare birds for study.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I would have been captured by the cruel Ghazis if my orderly, Murray, had not shown great loyalty and bravery. Go to

carelessly /ˈkɛrləsli/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: descuidadamente; sem prestar atenção

Simple English: Without paying enough attention.

Example: He carelessly left the door open all night.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. In the evening he would lean back in his armchair, close his eyes, and draw carelessly across the violin on his knee. Go to

2. I was angry that he spoke so carelessly about two characters I had admired. Go to

Original English Version

1. Leaning back in his armchair of an evening, he would close his eyes and scrape carelessly at the fiddle which was thrown across his knee. Go to

carlyle /kɑːrˈlaɪl/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Carlyle (Thomas Carlyle, escritor)

Simple English: Thomas Carlyle, a real and famous Victorian writer and philosopher, unknown to Holmes.

Example: When I mentioned Thomas Carlyle, he very innocently asked who he was and what he had done.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When I mentioned Thomas Carlyle, he very innocently asked who he was and what he had done. Go to

Original English Version

1. Upon my quoting Thomas Carlyle, he inquired in the naivest way who he might be and what he had done. Go to

cell /sɛl/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: célula; cela; pilha

Simple English: The smallest living unit that can perform functions independently.

Example: Each cell in our body has a specific role to play.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The microscope test for blood cells is not good either, because it does not work if the stains are a few hours old. Go to

clapping /ˈklæpɪŋ/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: batendo palmas

Simple English: Hitting the hands together to show happiness.

Example: The children were clapping and laughing.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Ha! ha!” he cried, clapping his hands and looking as happy as a child with a new toy. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Ha! ha!” he cried, clapping his hands, and looking as delighted as a child with a new toy. Go to

clumsy /ˈklʌmzi/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desajeitado; grosseiro; malfeito

Simple English: Done or made without skill or care.

Example: It was a clumsy trick, and no one believed it.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The old Guiacum test was clumsy and not always sure. Go to

Original English Version

1. The old Guiacum test was very clumsy and uncertain. Go to

command /kəˈmænd/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: comando; comandar; ordem

Simple English: A specific instruction for a computer to execute a task.

Example: You need to enter the right command to run the program successfully.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He looked proud and in command. Go to

commissionaire /kəˌmɪʃəˈneər/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: porteiro uniformizado; mensageiro

Simple English: A uniformed attendant, doorman, or messenger, especially at a hotel or public building.

Example: The commissionaire had seen the suspect near the display case.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Commissionaire, sir,” he said in a rough voice. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Commissionaire, sir,” he said, gruffly. Go to

companion's /kəmˈpænjənz/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: do companheiro; da companheira

Simple English: Belonging to the person who is travelling or spending time with you.

Example: I paid my share and my companion's share as well.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I must admit that I was very surprised by this new proof of my companion’s practical ideas. Go to

Original English Version

1. I confess that I was considerably startled by this fresh proof of the practical nature of my companion’s theories. Go to

complicated /ˈkɒmplɪkeɪtɪd/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: complicado; complica

Simple English: Involving many parts, making it difficult to understand.

Example: The instructions for assembling the furniture are quite complicated and unclear.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Sometimes a case is more complicated, and then I must go out and see things myself. Go to

constant /ˈkɒnstənt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: constante; permanente; contínua

Simple English: Happening all the time; not changing; persistent.

Example: He had a constant smile on his face throughout the entire event.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Perhaps you would not want him as a constant companion.” Go to

copernican /ˌkoʊpərˈnɪkən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: copernicano

Simple English: Relating to the theory that Earth and the other planets orbit the Sun.

Example: Watson was amazed that Holmes did not know the Copernican theory.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. My surprise was greatest when I found that he did not know the Copernican Theory or the structure of the Solar System. Go to

Original English Version

1. My surprise reached a climax, however, when I found incidentally that he was ignorant of the Copernican Theory and of the composition of the Solar System. Go to

criterion /kraɪˈtɪəriən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: critério

Simple English: a standard used to judge or decide something

Example: Clothing was an unreliable criterion for judging the prisoner.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. On the same day that I made this decision, I was standing at the Criterion Bar when someone tapped me on the shoulder. Go to

Original English Version

1. On the very day that I had come to this conclusion, I was standing at the Criterion Bar, when someone tapped me on the shoulder, and turning round I recognized young Stamford, who had been a dresser under me at Barts. Go to

cuffs /kʌfs/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: punhos de manga; algemas; tapas

Simple English: The ends of sleeves at the wrists; also blows given with an open hand.

Example: He rolled back his cuffs before washing the dishes.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. A man’s calling is clearly shown by his fingernails, coat sleeve, boot, trouser knees, the hard skin on his finger and thumb, his face, and his shirt cuffs. Go to

Original English Version

1. By a man’s finger nails, by his coat-sleeve, by his boot, by his trouser knees, by the callosities of his forefinger and thumb, by his expression, by his shirt cuffs - by each of these things a man’s calling is plainly revealed. Go to

dangerously /ˈdeɪndʒərəsli/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: perigosamente

Simple English: In a way that could cause harm.

Example: The boat leaned dangerously to one side.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Soon my money became dangerously low, and I realized I had to leave London and live in the country, or change my way of living completely. Go to

dazzle /ˈdæzəl/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: deslumbrar

Simple English: To impress or overwhelm someone with brilliance or display.

Example: He suspected the whole episode had been arranged to dazzle him.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. There still remained some lurking suspicion in my mind, however, that the whole thing was a prearranged episode, intended to dazzle me, though what earthly object he could have in taking me in was past my comprehension. Go to

deduce /dɪˈduːs/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: deduzir

Simple English: To reach a conclusion by reasoning from known facts.

Example: It took no special instinct to deduce that Jana was angry.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Deduce what?” he said, in an annoyed way. Go to

Original English Version

1. “How in the world did you deduce that?” I asked. Go to

2. “Deduce what?” said he, petulantly. Go to

deduction /dɪˈdʌkʃən/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: dedução

Simple English: A conclusion reached by reasoning from facts or evidence.

Example: The deduction he drew from the observations was simple.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Like any art, the Science of Deduction and Analysis can only be learned through long and patient study, and no human life is long enough to reach perfect skill in it. Go to

2. “Yes, I have a gift for both observation and deduction. Go to

3. The rules of deduction in that article, which you mocked, are very useful in real work. Go to

Original English Version

1. Like all other arts, the Science of Deduction and Analysis is one which can only be acquired by long and patient study, nor is life long enough to allow any mortal to attain the highest possible perfection in it. Go to

2. “Yes, I have a turn both for observation and for deduction. Go to

3. Those rules of deduction laid down in that article which aroused your scorn, are invaluable to me in practical work. Go to

deductions /dɪˈdʌkʃənz/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: deduções

Simple English: Conclusions reached by careful reasoning.

Example: His deductions turned out to be right.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I pondered over our short conversation, however, and endeavoured to draw my deductions from it. Go to

2. The reasoning was close and intense, but the deductions appeared to me to be far-fetched and exaggerated. Go to

deeply /ˈdiːpli/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: profundamente

Simple English: Expressing strong intensity of emotion or concern.

Example: She was deeply moved by the stories of the survivors.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He was bent over a table at the far end, deeply busy with his work. Go to

deny /dɪˈnaɪ/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: negar; nega; negam

Simple English: To refuse to admit the truth or existence of something.

Example: The politician chose to deny all allegations of wrongdoing during the interview.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I do not deny that it is well written. Go to

deserve /dɪˈzɜːrv/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: merece

Simple English: To merit a specific treatment due to actions or behavior.

Example: She worked hard and truly deserves the promotion she received.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “You deserve congratulations,” I said, very surprised by his excitement. Go to

dissecting /daɪˈsɛktɪŋ/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: dissecando; de dissecação

Simple English: Cutting something open for study or relating to such work.

Example: The dissecting room smelled strongly of antiseptic.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When it leads to beating the bodies in the dissecting rooms with a stick, it is certainly becoming strange.” Go to

2. Sometimes he spent the day in a chemical laboratory, sometimes in the dissecting-rooms, and sometimes he took long walks into poor parts of the City. Go to

Original English Version

1. When it comes to beating the subjects in the dissecting-rooms with a stick, it is certainly taking rather a bizarre shape.” Go to

2. Sometimes he spent his day at the chemical laboratory, sometimes in the dissecting-rooms, and occasionally in long walks, which appeared to take him into the lowest portions of the City. Go to

dreamy /ˈdriːmi/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sonhador; de quem sonha acordado

Simple English: Sounding or looking as if you are dreaming.

Example: She had a dreamy look on her face.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. At those times, his eyes had a dreamy, empty look. Go to

Original English Version

1. On these occasions I have noticed such a dreamy, vacant expression in his eyes, that I might have suspected him of being addicted to the use of some narcotic, had not the temperance and cleanliness of his whole life forbidden such a notion. Go to

dupin /dyˈpæ̃/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Dupin (detetive de ficção)

Simple English: C. Auguste Dupin, a famous fictional detective created by the writer Edgar Allan Poe.

Example: You make me think of Edgar Allan Poe's Dupin.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “You make me think of Edgar Allan Poe’s Dupin. Go to

2. “You may think you are praising me by comparing me with Dupin,” he said. Go to

3. “But I think Dupin was much less skilled. Go to

Original English Version

1. “You remind me of Edgar Allan Poe’s Dupin. Go to

2. “No doubt you think that you are complimenting me in comparing me to Dupin,” he observed. Go to

3. “Now, in my opinion, Dupin was a very inferior fellow. Go to

eagerly /ˈiːɡərli/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: avidamente; com entusiasmo

Simple English: In a way that shows strong interest or excitement.

Example: She looked eagerly at the strange new sights.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Under these circumstances, I eagerly hailed the little mystery which hung around my companion, and spent much of my time in endeavouring to unravel it. Go to

enteric /enˈterɪk/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: entérico; intestinal

Simple English: Relating to the intestines; enteric fever is an older name for typhoid fever.

Example: Bad water exposed the village to enteric fever.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then enteric fever struck me, a serious sickness in India. Go to

Original English Version

1. Here I rallied, and had already improved so far as to be able to walk about the wards, and even to bask a little upon the verandah, when I was struck down by enteric fever, that curse of our Indian possessions. Go to

euclid's /ˈjuːklɪdz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: de Euclides

Simple English: Belonging to Euclid, the ancient Greek mathematician.

Example: His conclusions were as certain, he said, as Euclid's propositions.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His conclusions were as certain, he said, as Euclid’s propositions. Go to

experiment /ɪkˈspɛrɪmənt/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: experiência

Simple English: A test performed to prove a hypothesis's truthfulness.

Example: We will conduct an experiment to test our initial hypothesis about plant growth.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I usually keep chemicals around, and I sometimes do experiments. Go to

Failure /ˈfeɪljər/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: falha; fracasso; insuficiência

Simple English: Absence of success or unsuccessful result of effort.

Example: The project was considered a failure due to poor planning and execution.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Lecoq was a poor failure,” he said angrily. Go to

fashionably /ˈfæʃənəbli/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: na moda; elegantemente

Simple English: In a way that follows current style or social fashion.

Example: She arrived in a fashionably made black silk dress.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. One morning a young, fashionably dressed girl visited us and stayed for half an hour or more. Go to

Original English Version

1. One morning a young girl called, fashionably dressed, and stayed for half an hour or more. Go to

fault /fɔːlt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: culpa; falha; defeito

Simple English: Responsibility attributed for a mistake or misfortune.

Example: It's not my fault that the meeting was canceled last minute.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Let me see - what other faults do I have? Go to

2. Now, what faults do you have? Go to

finding /ˈfaɪndɪŋ/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: encontrar; achando; achar

Simple English: A piece of information discovered from research.

Example: The key finding of the study suggests that diet greatly affects mental health.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “If I can only find what the fellow is aiming at by fitting all these skills together, and finding a job that needs them all,” I said to myself, “I may as well stop trying at once.” Go to

fingernails /ˈfɪŋɡərneɪlz/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: unhas dos dedos

Simple English: The hard parts at the tips of the fingers.

Example: She kept her fingernails clean and short.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. A man’s calling is clearly shown by his fingernails, coat sleeve, boot, trouser knees, the hard skin on his finger and thumb, his face, and his shirt cuffs. Go to

flame (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: chama; fogo; labareda

Simple English: the bright burning gas of a fire

Example: A small flame burned in the candle.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Wide low tables stood around it, covered with retorts, test tubes, and small Bunsen lamps with blue flames. Go to

flickering /ˈflɪkərɪŋ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tremeluzente; bruxuleante

Simple English: Burning or shining in an unsteady way.

Example: A flickering candle stood on the table.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Broad, low tables were scattered about, which bristled with retorts, test-tubes, and little Bunsen lamps, with their blue flickering flames. Go to

forefinger /ˈfɔːrfɪŋɡər/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: dedo indicador

Simple English: The finger next to the thumb.

Example: He pointed with his forefinger.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. By a man’s finger nails, by his coat-sleeve, by his boot, by his trouser knees, by the callosities of his forefinger and thumb, by his expression, by his shirt cuffs - by each of these things a man’s calling is plainly revealed. Go to

forgery /ˈfɔːrdʒəri/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: falsificação

Simple English: the crime of making a false document, signature, artwork, or piece of money

Example: The police kept a pen used in a famous forgery.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He was confused by a forgery case recently, and that is what brought him here.” Go to

Original English Version

1. He got himself into a fog recently over a forgery case, and that was what brought him here.” Go to

frankfort /ˈfræŋkfərt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Frankfort (Frankfurt, Alemanha)

Simple English: An older English spelling of Frankfurt, a real city in Germany.

Example: There was the case of Von Bischoff at Frankfort last year.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “There was the case of Von Bischoff at Frankfort last year. Go to

Original English Version

1. “There was the case of Von Bischoff at Frankfort last year. Go to

free /friː/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: enciclopédia; livre; grátis

Simple English: To release someone from captivity or arrest legally.

Example: The judge decided to free the innocent man after the trial.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I had no family in England, so I was as free as air, or as free as an income of eleven shillings and sixpence a day could make a man. Go to

2. I stayed for some time in a private hotel in the Strand, living in an unhappy and empty way, and spending my money more freely than I should have. Go to

3. He is not easy to talk to, though he can speak freely when he feels like it.” Go to

friendless /ˈfrendləs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sem amigos; desamparado

Simple English: Having no friends and nobody to help.

Example: He arrived friendless in a city of strangers.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. During the first week or so, we had no visitors, and I began to think that my companion was as friendless as I was. Go to

Original English Version

1. During the first week or so we had no callers, and I had begun to think that my companion was as friendless a man as I was myself. Go to

fusiliers /ˌfjuːzəˈlɪrz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: fuzileiros

Simple English: soldiers belonging to a fusilier regiment

Example: The Fusiliers were sent to stop the riots.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. After I finished there, I was sent as Assistant Surgeon to the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers. Go to

Original English Version

1. Having completed my studies there, I was duly attached to the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers as Assistant Surgeon. Go to

gaboriau's /ɡæbɔːrjoʊz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de Gaboriau

Simple English: Belonging to Émile Gaboriau, a real French writer of detective novels.

Example: Have you read Gaboriau's books?

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Have you read Gaboriau’s books?” I asked. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Have you read Gaboriau’s works?” I asked. Go to

ghazis /ˈɡɑːziːz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: guerreiros ghazi

Simple English: historical Muslim warriors who took part in religious or military campaigns

Example: Murray rescued him before the Ghazis captured him.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I would have been captured by the cruel Ghazis if my orderly, Murray, had not shown great loyalty and bravery. Go to

Original English Version

1. I should have fallen into the hands of the murderous Ghazis had it not been for the devotion and courage shown by Murray, my orderly, who threw me across a packhorse, and succeeded in bringing me safely to the British lines. Go to

grand /ɡrænd/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: Grand; miI; grão

Simple English: Impressive in size, style, or appearance; very large.

Example: The grand hotel had beautiful architecture and luxurious accommodations.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I chose to change, and first decided to leave the hotel and find cheaper rooms in a less grand place. Go to

guiacum /ˈɡwaɪəkəm/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: guáiaco; resina de guáiaco

Simple English: An archaic spelling of guaiacum, a tree resin formerly used in chemical tests for blood.

Example: The old guiacum test was clumsy and uncertain.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The old Guiacum test was clumsy and not always sure. Go to

Original English Version

1. The old Guiacum test was very clumsy and uncertain. Go to

haemoglobin /ˌhiːməˈɡloʊbɪn/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: hemoglobina

Simple English: The iron-containing protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Example: The reagent reacted with haemoglobin and with nothing else.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “I have found a reagent that is made to settle by haemoglobin, and by nothing else.” His face showed more joy than if he had found a gold mine. Go to

2. “The real question is haemoglobin. Go to

Original English Version

1. “I have found a reagent which is precipitated by haemoglobin, and by nothing else.” Had he discovered a gold mine, greater delight could not have shone upon his features. Go to

2. “The question now is about haemoglobin. Go to

handle /ˈhændl/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: lidar com; identificador; manipular

Simple English: To deal with a situation or problem successfully.

Example: It is important to handle conflicts with care and understanding.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His hands were usually stained with ink and chemicals, but he had very delicate touch, as I saw when he handled his fragile instruments. Go to

hansom /ˈhænsəm/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cabriolé hansom; táxi de duas rodas

Simple English: A light two-wheeled horse-drawn cab with the driver seated behind.

Example: They ordered a hansom cab and went for a drive.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. In my happiness, I asked him to have lunch with me at the Holborn, and we went off together in a hansom. Go to

Original English Version

1. In the exuberance of my joy, I asked him to lunch with me at the Holborn, and we started off together in a hansom. Go to

harm /hɑːrm/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: prejudicar; dano; mal

Simple English: To physically hurt or damage someone or something.

Example: The storm could harm crops and cause flooding in low areas.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I could imagine him giving a friend a small dose of a new plant poison, not because he means harm, but because he wants to know exactly what it does. Go to

hearing /ˈhɪərɪŋ/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: audiência; ouvir; escutando

Simple English: Ability to perceive sounds or voices through ears.

Example: His hearing is so sharp that he can hear whispers.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “From a drop of water,” said the writer, “a thinker could guess the chance of an Atlantic or a Niagara, even without seeing or hearing of them. Go to

heaven /ˈhɛvən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: céu; paraíso; céus

Simple English: The place where God and angels live, promised to believers.

Example: Many people hope to go to heaven after they die and find peace.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Heaven knows what he studies. Go to

heel (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: calcanhar; salto; sola

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He snapped his heels together, raised his hand in salute, and left. Go to

holborn /ˈhoʊbərn/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Holborn (bairro/restaurante de Londres)

Simple English: A real district of London, and the name of a well-known restaurant there.

Example: In my happiness, I asked him to have lunch with me at the Holborn, and we went off together in a hansom.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. In my happiness, I asked him to have lunch with me at the Holborn, and we went off together in a hansom. Go to

2. After we left the Holborn and walked toward the hospital, Stamford gave me more details about the man I wanted to live with. Go to

Original English Version

1. In the exuberance of my joy, I asked him to lunch with me at the Holborn, and we started off together in a hansom. Go to

2. As we made our way to the hospital after leaving the Holborn, Stamford gave me a few more particulars about the gentleman whom I proposed to take as a fellow-lodger. Go to

hold /hoʊld/ (11 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: segurar; prender; preensão

Simple English: To have something in your hand or arms.

Example: Hold the baby carefully.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He holds it stiffly. Go to

impatiently /ɪmˈpeɪʃəntli/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: impacientemente

Simple English: In a way that shows you do not want to wait.

Example: He knocked impatiently on the closed door.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “What does that matter to me?” he said impatiently. Go to

Original English Version

1. “What the deuce is it to me?” he interrupted impatiently; “you say that we go round the sun. Go to

impress /ɪmˈprɛs/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: impressionar

Simple English: To cause admiration or respect in someone through action.

Example: Her performance was so good that it impressed everyone in the audience.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Still, I had a small doubt that the whole thing was planned to impress me, though I could not understand why he would want to trick me. Go to

income /ˈɪnkʌm/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: renda; rendimento; receitas

Simple English: Money received regularly from work or investments.

Example: Her monthly income allowed her to save money for a vacation.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I had no family in England, so I was as free as air, or as free as an income of eleven shillings and sixpence a day could make a man. Go to

innocently /ˈɪnəsəntli/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: inocentemente; com candura

Simple English: In a way that shows no bad meaning.

Example: She asked the question quite innocently.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When I mentioned Thomas Carlyle, he very innocently asked who he was and what he had done. Go to

interrupt /ˌɪntəˈrʌpt/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: interromper; interrupção; atrapalhar

Simple English: To temporarily stop or hinder a process or activity.

Example: I’m sorry to interrupt, but I have an important question to ask.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. You interrupted my thoughts, but perhaps that is all right. Go to

interrupting /ˌɪntəˈrʌptɪŋ/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: interrompendo

Simple English: Stopping someone while they are speaking or doing something.

Example: Stop interrupting and let her finish the story.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His trick of interrupting his friends’ thoughts after fifteen minutes of silence sounds clever, but it is really only showy. Go to

jetty /ˈdʒɛti/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: cais; molhe; píer

Simple English: A structure extending from the shore where boats can land.

Example: The launch tied up beside the wooden jetty.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. So I was put on the troopship Orontes and reached Portsmouth jetty a month later, with my health badly damaged, but with permission to spend the next nine months trying to recover. Go to

Original English Version

1. I was dispatched, accordingly, in the troopship Orontes, and landed a month later on Portsmouth jetty, with my health irretrievably ruined, but with permission from a paternal government to spend the next nine months in attempting to improve it. Go to

jezail /dʒəˈzeɪl/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: jezail; mosquete afegão

Simple English: A long, heavy musket traditionally used in Afghanistan and nearby regions.

Example: The soldier was wounded by a Jezail bullet.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There I was hit in the shoulder by a Jezail bullet. Go to

Original English Version

1. There I was struck on the shoulder by a Jezail bullet, which shattered the bone and grazed the subclavian artery. Go to

jove /dʒoʊv/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Júpiter (em By Jove!, Puxa!)

Simple English: An old name for the Roman god Jupiter, used in the phrase By Jove.

Example: By Jove, that was a fine shot.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “By Jove!” I cried. Go to

Original English Version

1. “By Jove!” I cried, “if he really wants someone to share the rooms and the expense, I am the very man for him. Go to

landlady /ˈlændleɪdi/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: senhoria; dona da pensão

Simple English: A woman who rents rooms or a house to other people.

Example: The landlady asked for the rent on Friday.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The landlady had grown used to my late habits, so my place was not set and my coffee was not ready. Go to

Original English Version

1. The landlady had become so accustomed to my late habits that my place had not been laid nor my coffee prepared. Go to

lean /liːn/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: magra; enxuta; inclinar

Simple English: To bend from straight position to rest against support.

Example: You can lean against the wall while waiting for the bus.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. In the evening he would lean back in his armchair, close his eyes, and draw carelessly across the violin on his knee. Go to

lecoq /ləˈkɒk/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Lecoq (detetive de ficção)

Simple English: Monsieur Lecoq, a famous fictional detective created by the French writer Émile Gaboriau.

Example: “Does Lecoq match your idea of a detective?”

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Does Lecoq match your idea of a detective?” Go to

2. “Lecoq was a poor failure,” he said angrily. Go to

3. Lecoq took about six months. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Does Lecoq come up to your idea of a detective?” Go to

2. “Lecoq was a miserable bungler,” he said, in an angry voice; “he had only one thing to recommend him, and that was his energy. Go to

3. Lecoq took six months or so. Go to

lefevre /ləˈfɛvrə/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Lefevre (caso citado na história)

Simple English: A name given in the story as an example of a poisoning case, said to be from Montpellier.

Example: Then there was Mason of Bradford, the famous Muller, Lefevre of Montpellier, and Samson of New Orleans.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then there was Mason of Bradford, the famous Muller, Lefevre of Montpellier, and Samson of New Orleans. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then there was Mason of Bradford, and the notorious Muller, and Lefevre of Montpellier, and Samson of New Orleans. Go to

lestrade /ləˈstreɪd/ (89 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Lestrade (personagem, detetive)

Simple English: Inspector Lestrade, a Scotland Yard detective who appears in this and many other Sherlock Holmes stories.

Example: Lestrade, who came three or four times in one week.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. One was a small, dark, sharp-faced man called Mr. Lestrade, who came three or four times in one week. Go to

2. Lestrade is a well-known detective. Go to

Original English Version

1. There was one little sallow rat-faced, dark-eyed fellow who was introduced to me as Mr. Lestrade, and who came three or four times in a single week. Go to

2. Lestrade is a well-known detective. Go to

lieder /ˈliːdər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: lieder; canções de câmara alemãs

Simple English: Lieder are German art songs, especially songs for a solo singer with piano accompaniment.

Example: I knew he could play difficult pieces, because at my request he played some of Mendelssohn’s Lieder and other favourites.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I knew he could play difficult pieces, because at my request he played some of Mendelssohn’s Lieder and other favourites. Go to

Original English Version

1. That he could play pieces, and difficult pieces, I knew well, because at my request he has played me some of Mendelssohn’s Lieder, and other favourites. Go to

literature /ˈlɪtərətʃər/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: literatura; bibliografia

Simple English: Writings or books produced on a specific subject or topic.

Example: The literature on psychology is vast and continuously evolving today.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He seemed to know almost nothing about modern literature, philosophy, or politics. Go to

lodger /ˈlɑːdʒər/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: inquilino; hóspede

Simple English: A person who pays to live in a rented room in someone else's house.

Example: She was so flustered by these two fine young people asking for her lodger that she even forgot to invite them to sit down in the little parlor.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. As we made our way to the hospital after leaving the Holborn, Stamford gave me a few more particulars about the gentleman whom I proposed to take as a fellow-lodger. Go to

lodgings /ˈlɒdʒɪŋz/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: aposentos alugados; moradia alugada

Simple English: Rented rooms where someone lives temporarily.

Example: They found cheap lodgings near the train station.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. “Looking for lodgings,” I answered. Go to

maiwand /ˈmaɪwænd/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Maiwand (batalha histórica)

Simple English: A real battle of the Second Anglo-Afghan War, in 1880, where Watson was wounded.

Example: I was moved from my brigade and sent to the Berkshires, and I served with them at the terrible battle of Maiwand.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I was moved from my brigade and sent to the Berkshires, and I served with them at the terrible battle of Maiwand. Go to

Original English Version

1. I was removed from my brigade and attached to the Berkshires, with whom I served at the fatal battle of Maiwand. Go to

means /miːnz/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: significa; meios; quer dizer

Simple English: A method, system, or object used to achieve a goal.

Example: Education is one of the means to achieve a successful career.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I could imagine him giving a friend a small dose of a new plant poison, not because he means harm, but because he wants to know exactly what it does. Go to

2. I am a consulting detective, if you know what that means. Go to

mendelssohn's /ˈmɛndəlsɒnz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de Mendelssohn

Simple English: Belonging to Felix Mendelssohn, a real and famous German composer.

Example: I knew he could play difficult pieces, because at my request he played some of Mendelssohn's Lieder that I loved.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I knew he could play difficult pieces, because at my request he played some of Mendelssohn’s Lieder and other favourites. Go to

Original English Version

1. That he could play pieces, and difficult pieces, I knew well, because at my request he has played me some of Mendelssohn’s Lieder, and other favourites. Go to

military /ˈmɪlɪˌtɛri/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: militar; exército; armadas

Simple English: Armed forces of a nation responsible for defense and war.

Example: The military protects our country from external threats every day.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He also had a military way of standing and proper side whiskers. Go to

Mistake /mɪˈsteɪk/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: erro; engano; equívoco

Simple English: An action or judgment that is incorrect or wrong.

Example: Learning from a mistake is often more important than getting everything right.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It is a mistake to think the attic can grow without limit. Go to

mixed /mɪkst/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: misto; misturado; mixado

Simple English: Consisting of different types combined together.

Example: The salad was a mixed variety, containing both leafy greens and colorful vegetables.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. A fool takes in every useless thing he finds, so the useful knowledge gets pushed out, or mixed up so badly that he cannot find it when he needs it. Go to

mocked /mɑːkt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: escarnecida; ridicularizada

Simple English: Laughed at someone in an unkind way.

Example: The other boys mocked his old shoes.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The rules of deduction in that article, which you mocked, are very useful in real work. Go to

montpellier /mɒ̃peˈljeɪ/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Montpellier (cidade francesa)

Simple English: A real city in the south of France, mentioned as the location of a poisoning case example.

Example: Then there was Mason of Bradford, the famous Muller, Lefevre of Montpellier, and Samson of New Orleans.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then there was Mason of Bradford, the famous Muller, Lefevre of Montpellier, and Samson of New Orleans. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then there was Mason of Bradford, and the notorious Muller, and Lefevre of Montpellier, and Samson of New Orleans. Go to

moral /ˈmɒrəl/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: moral

Simple English: Following ethical principles of right and wrong behavior consistently.

Example: He always tries to make moral decisions, considering what is right.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Before moving to the moral and mental problems, which are the hardest, the student should begin with simpler ones. Go to

muller /ˈmʌlər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Muller (caso citado na história)

Simple English: A name given in the story as an example of a famous poisoning case.

Example: Then there was Mason of Bradford, the famous Muller, Lefevre of Montpellier, and Samson of New Orleans.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then there was Mason of Bradford, the famous Muller, Lefevre of Montpellier, and Samson of New Orleans. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then there was Mason of Bradford, and the notorious Muller, and Lefevre of Montpellier, and Samson of New Orleans. Go to

nerve /nɜːrv/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: nervo; coragem; descaramento

Simple English: Long thread-like structure transmitting messages between brain, body.

Example: The nerve sends signals from the hand to the brain quickly.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “I do not like noise because my nerves are shaken. Go to

netley /ˈnɛtli/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Netley (local histórico, Inglaterra)

Simple English: A real place in England, home of an army hospital and medical school where Watson trained.

Example: In 1878 I got my Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of London, and then I went to Netley to train as an army surgeon.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. In 1878 I got my Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of London, and then I went to Netley to train as an army surgeon. Go to

Original English Version

1. In the year 1878 I took my degree of Doctor of Medicine of the University of London, and proceeded to Netley to go through the course prescribed for surgeons in the army. Go to

northumberland /nɔːrˈθʌmbərlənd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Northumberland (regimento britânico)

Simple English: Part of the name of the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers, a real British Army regiment Watson served in.

Example: After I finished there, I was sent as Assistant Surgeon to the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. After I finished there, I was sent as Assistant Surgeon to the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers. Go to

Original English Version

1. Having completed my studies there, I was duly attached to the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers as Assistant Surgeon. Go to

nosy /ˈnoʊzi/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: intrometido

Simple English: Too interested in other people's private affairs.

Example: The nosy reporter kept asking questions.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The reader may think I was very nosy when I admit how much this man made me curious, and how often I tried to make him talk about himself. Go to

observant /əbˈzɜːvənt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: observador

Simple English: Quick to notice things.

Example: The observant child saw the clue.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Its bold title was “The Book of Life,” and it tried to show how much an observant man could learn by carefully and systematically studying everything around him. Go to

Original English Version

1. Its somewhat ambitious title was “The Book of Life,” and it attempted to show how much an observant man might learn by an accurate and systematic examination of all that came in his way. Go to

observation (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: observação; comentário; percepção

Simple English: the act of watching or noticing something

Example: His conclusion was based on careful observation.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It may seem childish, but it sharpens observation and teaches one where and how to look. Go to

2. “Yes, I have a gift for both observation and deduction. Go to

observe /əbˈzɜːrv/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: observar; respeitar

Simple English: To carefully watch something to gain knowledge.

Example: In the lab, we observe the behavior of the mice closely.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I am used to observing things. Go to

orderly /ˈɔːrdərli/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ordenada; bem arrumada

Simple English: Neat and well arranged.

Example: The books stood in orderly rows.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I would have been captured by the cruel Ghazis if my orderly, Murray, had not shown great loyalty and bravery. Go to

Original English Version

1. I should have fallen into the hands of the murderous Ghazis had it not been for the devotion and courage shown by Murray, my orderly, who threw me across a packhorse, and succeeded in bringing me safely to the British lines. Go to

orontes /oʊˈrɒntiːz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Orontes (navio)

Simple English: The name of the troopship that carries Watson back to England after he is wounded.

Example: So I was put on the troopship Orontes and reached Portsmouth jetty a month later, with my health badly damaged.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. So I was put on the troopship Orontes and reached Portsmouth jetty a month later, with my health badly damaged, but with permission to spend the next nine months trying to recover. Go to

Original English Version

1. I was dispatched, accordingly, in the troopship Orontes, and landed a month later on Portsmouth jetty, with my health irretrievably ruined, but with permission from a paternal government to spend the next nine months in attempting to improve it. Go to

packhorse /ˈpækˌhɔːrs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: animal de carga

Simple English: an animal used to carry packs and supplies

Example: He put me across a packhorse and brought me safely to the British lines.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He put me across a packhorse and brought me safely to the British lines. Go to

Original English Version

1. I should have fallen into the hands of the murderous Ghazis had it not been for the devotion and courage shown by Murray, my orderly, who threw me across a packhorse, and succeeded in bringing me safely to the British lines. Go to

paradoxes /ˈpærədɒksɪz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: paradoxos

Simple English: statements that seem impossible but may be true

Example: Paradoxes are all very well in their way, replied the.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It is clearly the work of some easy chair thinker, making neat little paradoxes in his own study. Go to

Original English Version

1. It is evidently the theory of some armchair lounger who evolves all these neat little paradoxes in the seclusion of his own study. Go to

passage /ˈpæsɪdʒ/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: passagem; trecho

Simple English: A narrow corridor giving access to rooms or areas.

Example: The passage led us to the library at the end of the hall.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Near the far end, a low arched passage branched off and led to the chemical laboratory. Go to

patient /ˈpeɪʃənt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: paciente; doente; pacientes

Simple English: A person receiving medical care.

Example: The doctor saw the patient.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Like any art, the Science of Deduction and Analysis can only be learned through long and patient study, and no human life is long enough to reach perfect skill in it. Go to

peddler /ˈpedlə/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: vendedor ambulante

Simple English: a person who travels around selling small goods

Example: A peddler offered ribbons at the door.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. That same afternoon a grey-haired, shabby man who looked like a Jewish peddler came, looking excited, and was followed closely by an untidy older woman. Go to

peshawar /pəˈʃɑːwər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Peshawar

Simple English: A city near the north-west border of India.

Example: News reached Peshawar the same night.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I was in great pain and very weak after many hard days, so I was taken with many other wounded men to the base hospital at Peshawar. Go to

Original English Version

1. Worn with pain, and weak from the prolonged hardships which I had undergone, I was removed, with a great train of wounded sufferers, to the base hospital at Peshawar. Go to

philosophy /fɪˈlɑːsəfi/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: filosofia

Simple English: The study of fundamental questions about existence and knowledge systematically.

Example: Philosophy encourages people to reflect on their beliefs and understanding of life.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He seemed to know almost nothing about modern literature, philosophy, or politics. Go to

pick (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: escolher; buscá; picareta

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then I picked up a magazine and tried to pass the time while my companion ate his toast in silence. Go to

pipette /pɪˈpɛt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pipeta

Simple English: a small tube used to measure or move a little liquid

Example: The nurse filled the pipette with a drop of blood.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He pricked his finger with a long needle and drew off one drop with a chemical pipette. Go to

Original English Version

1. “Let us have some fresh blood,” he said, digging a long bodkin into his finger, and drawing off the resulting drop of blood in a chemical pipette. Go to

plainly /ˈpleɪnli/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: claramente

Simple English: in a clear and easy-to-understand way

Example: She spoke plainly about the danger.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. By a man’s finger nails, by his coat-sleeve, by his boot, by his trouser knees, by the callosities of his forefinger and thumb, by his expression, by his shirt cuffs - by each of these things a man’s calling is plainly revealed. Go to

2. “I wonder what that fellow is looking for?” I asked, pointing to a stalwart, plainly-dressed individual who was walking slowly down the other side of the street, looking anxiously at the numbers. Go to

poe's /poʊz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de Poe

Simple English: Belonging to Edgar Allan Poe, the real American writer who created the detective Dupin.

Example: You make me think of Edgar Allan Poe's Dupin.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “You make me think of Edgar Allan Poe’s Dupin. Go to

Original English Version

1. “You remind me of Edgar Allan Poe’s Dupin. Go to

poisons /ˈpɔɪzənz/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: venenos

Simple English: Substances that harm or kill if taken in.

Example: Poisons rose from the burning sand.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “I must be careful,” he said to me with a smile, “because I often work with poisons.” He held out his hand, and I saw that it was covered with many small pieces of plaster and marked by strong acids. Go to

Original English Version

1. “I have to be careful,” he continued, turning to me with a smile, “for I dabble with poisons a good deal.” He held out his hand as he spoke, and I noticed that it was all mottled over with similar pieces of plaster, and discoloured with strong acids. Go to

politely /pəˈlaɪtli/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: educadamente; com cortesia

Simple English: In a way that shows good manners.

Example: I am quite well, thank you, she replied politely.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “May I ask, my lad,” I said as politely as I could, “what work you do?” Go to

praise /preɪz/ (6 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: louvor; louvar; elogios

Simple English: To express admiration or approval toward someone or something.

Example: The teacher will praise students who submit their projects on time.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “You may think you are praising me by comparing me with Dupin,” he said. Go to

price /praɪs/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: preço

Simple English: The amount of money something costs.

Example: The price is too high.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “I am trying to find out if it is possible to get comfortable rooms at a fair price.” Go to

pricked /prɪkt/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: levantou as orelhas; espetou

Simple English: Raised the ears suddenly in order to listen.

Example: Toto pricked up his ears and looked around.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He pricked his finger with a long needle and drew off one drop with a chemical pipette. Go to

profession /prəˈfɛʃən/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: profissão

Simple English: A paid job requiring skill, training, or higher education.

Example: His profession as a doctor requires many years of training and education.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. When he meets another person, he should learn at once to tell the man’s history and his trade or profession. Go to

proof /pruːf/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: prova; comprovante

Simple English: Information or evidence proving the truth of something.

Example: The scientist provided proof that supported her groundbreaking theory about climate change.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I must admit that I was very surprised by this new proof of my companion’s practical ideas. Go to

propositions /prɑpʌzɪʃʌnz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: proposta

Simple English: plans or suggestions put forward for consideration

Example: They discussed the propositions at length.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His conclusions were as certain, he said, as Euclid’s propositions. Go to

Original English Version

1. His conclusions were as infallible as so many propositions of Euclid. Go to

pure /pjʊər/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: puro; pura; puros

Simple English: Not combined or mixed with anything else; clean or unmixed.

Example: She prefers pure water without any additives or flavors in it.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. You can see that the mixture looks like pure water. Go to

puzzled /ˈpʌzəld/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: confuso

Simple English: Unable to understand something.

Example: She looked puzzled by his question.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. That is a question which has puzzled many an expert, and why? Go to

rate /reɪt/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: taxa; tarifa; ritmo

Simple English: The amount of money charged or paid for something.

Example: The interest rate on my savings account has increased recently.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I think he knows anatomy well, and he is a first-rate chemist. Go to

rattled /ˈrætəld/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: sacudiu; fez chocalhar

Simple English: Made a series of short hard sounds; also made someone nervous.

Example: The windows rattled every time a lorry went by.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. “Whatever have you been doing with yourself, Watson?” he asked in undisguised wonder, as we rattled through the crowded London streets. Go to

reagent /riˈeɪdʒənt/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: reagente

Simple English: a substance used to cause or test a chemical reaction

Example: “I have found a reagent that is made to settle by haemoglobin, and by nothing else.” His face showed more joy than if he had found a gold mine.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “I have found a reagent that is made to settle by haemoglobin, and by nothing else.” His face showed more joy than if he had found a gold mine. Go to

Original English Version

1. “I have found a reagent which is precipitated by haemoglobin, and by nothing else.” Had he discovered a gold mine, greater delight could not have shone upon his features. Go to

rebelled /rɪˈbeld/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: rebelou-se; revoltou-se

Simple English: Fought against people in power, or refused to obey.

Example: The men rebelled against the new orders.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. I might have rebelled against these exasperating solos had it not been that he usually terminated them by playing in quick succession a whole series of my favourite airs as a slight compensation for the trial upon my patience. Go to

recover /rɪˈkʌvər/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: recuperar

Simple English: To regain full health after illness, injury, or surgery.

Example: She hopes to recover quickly after her surgery next week.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There I began to recover and could walk around the wards, and even rest a little on the verandah. Go to

2. So I was put on the troopship Orontes and reached Portsmouth jetty a month later, with my health badly damaged, but with permission to spend the next nine months trying to recover. Go to

retorts rɪtɔrts (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: replicar

Simple English: Here, it refers to answer sharply to a remark.

Example: "Well, you know I couldn't get along very well without it, darling," responded Dan who, since New Year's, had adopted a new method of dealing with Felicity - whether by way of keeping his resolution or because he had discovered that it annoyed Felicity far more than angry retorts, deponent sayeth not.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Wide low tables stood around it, covered with retorts, test tubes, and small Bunsen lamps with blue flames. Go to

Original English Version

1. Broad, low tables were scattered about, which bristled with retorts, test-tubes, and little Bunsen lamps, with their blue flickering flames. Go to

reward (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: recompensa; prêmio; benefício

Simple English: something given for good work or behaviour

Example: The child received a reward for helping.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I might have been annoyed by these endless solos if he had not usually ended them by playing a whole group of my favourite tunes as a small reward for my patience. Go to

routine /ruːˈtiːn/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: rotina; rotineira; coreografia

Simple English: Occurring regularly as part of a usual process.

Example: She follows her morning routine to feel organized and prepared for the day.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. My health kept me from going out unless the weather was very good, and I had no friends to visit me and break the dull routine of my days. Go to

samson /ˈsæmsən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Samson (caso citado na história)

Simple English: A name given in the story as an example of a poisoning case, said to be from New Orleans.

Example: Then there was Mason of Bradford, the famous Muller, Lefevre of Montpellier, and Samson of New Orleans.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Then there was Mason of Bradford, the famous Muller, Lefevre of Montpellier, and Samson of New Orleans. Go to

Original English Version

1. Then there was Mason of Bradford, and the notorious Muller, and Lefevre of Montpellier, and Samson of New Orleans. Go to

scientific /ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: científica

Simple English: Based on science principles methods or systematic research.

Example: Her scientific research focused on climate change and its effects.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Holmes is a little too scientific for me. Go to

self (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: self; eu; identidade

Simple English: a person's own identity or character

Example: Writing helped her understand herself.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I might have thought he used a drug, if his whole life had not been so clean and self-controlled. Go to

sense /sɛns/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: sentido; senso; sensação

Simple English: Natural ability to perceive touch, sight, taste, smell.

Example: My sense of smell helps me enjoy food more.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Still, I thought over our short talk and tried to make sense of it. Go to

shabby /ˈʃæbi/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: surrado; maltrapilho; mesquinho

Simple English: Old and worn out; also unfair or mean in behaviour.

Example: He wore the same shabby coat every winter.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. That same afternoon a grey-haired, shabby man who looked like a Jewish peddler came, looking excited, and was followed closely by an untidy older woman. Go to

sharpens /ˈʃɑːrpənz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: agu?a

Simple English: makes something sharper or keener

Example: At his ear, it appears to whisper information; at his lips, it orders silence; on his nose, it sharpens his sense of smell.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It may seem childish, but it sharpens observation and teaches one where and how to look. Go to

Original English Version

1. Puerile as such an exercise may seem, it sharpens the faculties of observation, and teaches one where to look and what to look for. Go to

shillings /ˈʃɪlɪŋz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: xelins

Simple English: Old British coins worth one twentieth of a pound.

Example: The book cost three shillings when it first appeared.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I had no family in England, so I was as free as air, or as free as an income of eleven shillings and sixpence a day could make a man. Go to

Original English Version

1. I had neither kith nor kin in England, and was therefore as free as air - or as free as an income of eleven shillings and sixpence a day will permit a man to be. Go to

Ship /ʃɪp/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: navio; nave; barco

Simple English: A large boat.

Example: The ship crossed the ocean.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “I always smoke ‘ship’s’ myself,” I answered. Go to

shone /ʃoʊn/ (9 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: brilhavam; reluziam

Simple English: Gave out or reflected light.

Example: The little stars shone in the sun like diamonds.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. As he spoke, his eyes shone brightly. Go to

Original English Version

1. “I have found a reagent which is precipitated by haemoglobin, and by nothing else.” Had he discovered a gold mine, greater delight could not have shone upon his features. Go to

showy /ˈʃoʊi/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: vistoso; espalhafatoso

Simple English: Bright and easy to notice, sometimes too much.

Example: He wore a showy gold ring.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His trick of interrupting his friends’ thoughts after fifteen minutes of silence sounds clever, but it is really only showy. Go to

Original English Version

1. That trick of his of breaking in on his friends’ thoughts with an apropos remark after a quarter of an hour’s silence is really very showy and superficial. Go to

sixpence /ˈsɪkspəns/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: moeda antiga de seis pence

Simple English: An old British coin worth six pence.

Example: She paid a sixpence for the ribbon.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I had no family in England, so I was as free as air, or as free as an income of eleven shillings and sixpence a day could make a man. Go to

Original English Version

1. I had neither kith nor kin in England, and was therefore as free as air - or as free as an income of eleven shillings and sixpence a day will permit a man to be. Go to

slapping /ˈslæpɪŋ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: dando tapas; batendo com a mão

Simple English: Hitting with the flat part of the hand.

Example: He was slapping the dust from his coat.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “What complete nonsense!” I cried, slapping the magazine down on the table. Go to

Original English Version

1. “What ineffable twaddle!” I cried, slapping the magazine down on the table, “I never read such rubbish in my life.” Go to

sniff /snɪf/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: fungadela; aspirada pelo nariz

Simple English: A quick breath in through the nose.

Example: He took a loud sniff and shook his head.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Sherlock Holmes gave a cold, rude sniff. Go to

sniffed /snɪft/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: farejou; cheirou

Simple English: Smelled something by breathing in through the nose.

Example: The Lion sniffed at it as if he did not like it.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. Sherlock Holmes sniffed sardonically. Go to

solar /ˈsoʊlər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: solar

Simple English: Related to the sun or derived from its energy.

Example: Solar panels are increasingly used to produce clean energy for homes.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. My surprise was greatest when I found that he did not know the Copernican Theory or the structure of the Solar System. Go to

2. “But the Solar System!” I said. Go to

solos /ˈsoʊloʊz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: solos

Simple English: pieces of music performed by one person

Example: Channing's four solos were the feature of the whole programme.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I might have been annoyed by these endless solos if he had not usually ended them by playing a whole group of my favourite tunes as a small reward for my patience. Go to

Original English Version

1. I might have rebelled against these exasperating solos had it not been that he usually terminated them by playing in quick succession a whole series of my favourite airs as a slight compensation for the trial upon my patience. Go to

split /splɪt/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: dividir; divisão; rachar

Simple English: To divide into parts or separate sections or groups.

Example: We need to split the group into smaller teams for the project.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. The rooms were very good, and the rent seemed fair when we split it, so we agreed at once and moved in. Go to

stains /steɪnz/ (10 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: manchas; mancha; tinge

Simple English: Marks that are hard to remove; also to make such marks.

Example: Coffee stains are easier to remove when they are fresh.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Don’t you see that it gives us a sure test for blood stains? Go to

2. The microscope test for blood cells is not good either, because it does not work if the stains are a few hours old. Go to

3. Then his clothes are examined, and brown stains are found. Go to

Original English Version

1. Don’t you see that it gives us an infallible test for blood stains? Go to

2. The latter is valueless if the stains are a few hours old. Go to

3. His linen or clothes are examined, and brownish stains discovered upon them. Go to

4. Are they blood stains, or mud stains, or rust stains, or fruit stains, or what are they? Go to

stair /ster/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: degrau; escada

Simple English: One step in a set of steps inside a building.

Example: The bottom stair creaks whenever anyone comes home late.

Use in this Book:

Original English Version

1. We heard a loud knock, a deep voice below, and heavy steps ascending the stair. Go to

stamford /ˈstæmfərd/ (20 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: Stamford (personagem)

Simple English: A character who used to work with Watson and who introduces him to Sherlock Holmes.

Example: I turned and saw young Stamford, who had once worked under me at Barts.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I turned and saw young Stamford, who had once worked under me at Barts. Go to

2. In the past, Stamford had not been a close friend, but now I greeted him warmly, and he seemed glad to see me too. Go to

3. Young Stamford looked at me strangely over his wineglass. Go to

4. After we left the Holborn and walked toward the hospital, Stamford gave me more details about the man I wanted to live with. Go to

5. “Stamford,” I added, looking closely at him, “it seems to me that you want to avoid this matter. Go to

6. Watson, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said Stamford, introducing us. Go to

Original English Version

1. On the very day that I had come to this conclusion, I was standing at the Criterion Bar, when someone tapped me on the shoulder, and turning round I recognized young Stamford, who had been a dresser under me at Barts. Go to

2. In old days Stamford had never been a particular crony of mine, but now I hailed him with enthusiasm, and he, in his turn, appeared to be delighted to see me. Go to

3. Young Stamford looked rather strangely at me over his wineglass. Go to

4. As we made our way to the hospital after leaving the Holborn, Stamford gave me a few more particulars about the gentleman whom I proposed to take as a fellow-lodger. Go to

5. “It seems to me, Stamford,” I added, looking hard at my companion, “that you have some reason for washing your hands of the matter. Go to

6. Watson, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said Stamford, introducing us. Go to

stamford's /ˈstæmfərdz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: de Stamford

Simple English: Belonging to Stamford, the character who introduces Watson to Holmes.

Example: He had already confirmed Stamford's opinion about that.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He had already confirmed Stamford’s opinion about that. Go to

Original English Version

1. He had himself, in reply to a question, confirmed Stamford’s opinion upon that point. Go to

steady /ˈstɛdi/ (5 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: constante; firme; estável

Simple English: Not changing significantly over time.

Example: She maintained a steady pace while running during the marathon event.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He was also steady and respectable, and looked middle-aged. Go to

stiffly /ˈstɪfli/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: rigidamente; com dificuldade

Simple English: In a way that shows the body does not bend easily.

Example: Her hair was white and she walked stiffly.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He holds it stiffly. Go to

structure /ˈstrʌktʃər/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: estrutura; estruturar

Simple English: Anything that is built from various components, like a building or bridge.

Example: The new structure in the park will serve as a community center.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. My surprise was greatest when I found that he did not know the Copernican Theory or the structure of the Solar System. Go to

subclavian /səbˈkleɪviən/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: subclávio

Simple English: Located under the collarbone, especially describing an artery or vein.

Example: The bullet narrowly missed the subclavian artery.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. It broke the bone and missed the subclavian artery by a little. Go to

Original English Version

1. There I was struck on the shoulder by a Jezail bullet, which shattered the bone and grazed the subclavian artery. Go to

subject /səbˈdʒɛkt/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: assunto; sujeito; objecto

Simple English: The topic being discussed or studied.

Example: History is my favorite subject.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Yet he studied some subjects with great energy, and in his own strange way he knew an amazing amount of detail. Go to

2. I thought he had some strong reason for keeping silent, but he soon changed that by bringing up the subject himself. Go to

3. I decided to change the subject. Go to

suitcases /ˈsuːtkeɪsɪz/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: malas de viagem

Simple English: Cases with handles used for carrying clothes while traveling.

Example: Their suitcases were covered with old hotel labels.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. That evening I brought my things from the hotel, and the next morning Sherlock Holmes came with several boxes and suitcases. Go to

suspect /səˈspɛkt/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: suspeito; suspeitar; desconfiar

Simple English: To think someone may have committed a crime.

Example: I suspect he took the money when nobody was looking.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. A man may be suspected months after a crime. Go to

swung /swʌŋ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: abriu-se girando; balançou

Simple English: Moved smoothly in a curve, as a door does.

Example: The big gate swung slowly open.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. You must have noticed how he held his head and swung his cane. Go to

Original English Version

1. You must have observed the way in which he held his head and swung his cane. Go to

tattooed /tæˈtuːd/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: tatuado

Simple English: Marked with permanent designs made by putting ink into the skin.

Example: A tattooed sailor waited beside the gate.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Even from across the street, I could see a large blue anchor tattooed on the back of the man’s hand. Go to

Original English Version

1. Even across the street I could see a great blue anchor tattooed on the back of the fellow’s hand. Go to

thinker /ˈθɪŋkər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pensador

Simple English: A person who thinks deeply about ideas.

Example: He was known as a careful thinker.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “From a drop of water,” said the writer, “a thinker could guess the chance of an Atlantic or a Niagara, even without seeing or hearing of them. Go to

2. It is clearly the work of some easy chair thinker, making neat little paradoxes in his own study. Go to

title /ˈtaɪtəl/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: título; denominação

Simple English: Name given to a book, movie, or other work.

Example: The title of the book was intriguing and made me curious to read it.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. One article had a pencil mark at the title, and I naturally began to read it. Go to

2. Its bold title was “The Book of Life,” and it tried to show how much an observant man could learn by carefully and systematically studying everything around him. Go to

troopship /ˈtruːpˌʃɪp/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: navio de transporte de tropas

Simple English: A ship used to carry soldiers, especially to or from a war area.

Example: The wounded doctor returned to England aboard the troopship Orontes.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. So I was put on the troopship Orontes and reached Portsmouth jetty a month later, with my health badly damaged, but with permission to spend the next nine months trying to recover. Go to

Original English Version

1. I was dispatched, accordingly, in the troopship Orontes, and landed a month later on Portsmouth jetty, with my health irretrievably ruined, but with permission from a paternal government to spend the next nine months in attempting to improve it. Go to

tropics /ˈtrɑːpɪks/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: trópicos

Simple English: The very hot regions near the equator.

Example: The plant grows only in the tropics.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He has just come from the tropics, because his face is dark, but his wrists are fair, so the color is not natural. Go to

2. Where in the tropics could an English army doctor have gone through so much and had his arm wounded? Go to

Original English Version

1. He has just come from the tropics, for his face is dark, and that is not the natural tint of his skin, for his wrists are fair. Go to

2. Where in the tropics could an English army doctor have seen much hardship and got his arm wounded? Go to

Trouble /ˈtrʌbəl/ (12 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: problemas; apuros; sarilhos

Simple English: Situation causing difficulty or distress.

Example: She was in trouble after forgetting to do her homework again.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. “Poor fellow!” he said kindly after listening to my troubles. Go to

2. He always apologized for the trouble. Go to

3. They are people who have trouble with something and want help. Go to

trouser /ˈtraʊzər/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: da calça

Simple English: Belonging to the piece of clothing worn on the legs.

Example: He put the coin in his trouser pocket.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. A man’s calling is clearly shown by his fingernails, coat sleeve, boot, trouser knees, the hard skin on his finger and thumb, his face, and his shirt cuffs. Go to

Original English Version

1. By a man’s finger nails, by his coat-sleeve, by his boot, by his trouser knees, by the callosities of his forefinger and thumb, by his expression, by his shirt cuffs - by each of these things a man’s calling is plainly revealed. Go to

trust /trʌst/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: confiar; confiança; fideicomisso

Simple English: To believe someone is honest or reliable.

Example: I trust her completely.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Because there was no test they could trust. Go to

tune (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: melodia; música; toada

Simple English: a series of musical notes

Example: I cannot remember the tune of that song.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I might have been annoyed by these endless solos if he had not usually ended them by playing a whole group of my favourite tunes as a small reward for my patience. Go to

unpacking /ʌnˈpækɪŋ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desembalando

Simple English: Taking things out of a bag or box.

Example: They spent an hour unpacking their supplies.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. For one or two days, we were busy unpacking and arranging our belongings. Go to

Original English Version

1. For a day or two we were busily employed in unpacking and laying out our property to the best advantage. Go to

untidy /ʌnˈtaɪdi/ (3 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: desarrumado; desordenado

Simple English: Not clean and not in good order.

Example: His untidy room made his mother angry.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. That same afternoon a grey-haired, shabby man who looked like a Jewish peddler came, looking excited, and was followed closely by an untidy older woman. Go to

velveteen /ˌvɛlvəˈtin/ (4 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: veludinho de algodão

Simple English: a cotton cloth that looks and feels like velvet

Example: We found a man in a velveteen suit and knee-breeches.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. On another day, an old white-haired gentleman met with my companion; on another, a railway porter in his velveteen uniform. Go to

Original English Version

1. On another occasion an old white-haired gentleman had an interview with my companion; and on another a railway porter in his velveteen uniform. Go to

verandah /vəˈrændə/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: varanda; alpendre

Simple English: A roofed platform along the outside of a building.

Example: They drank coffee on the shaded verandah.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. There I began to recover and could walk around the wards, and even rest a little on the verandah. Go to

Original English Version

1. Here I rallied, and had already improved so far as to be able to walk about the wards, and even to bask a little upon the verandah, when I was struck down by enteric fever, that curse of our Indian possessions. Go to

warmly /ˈwɔːrmli/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: calorosamente; com cordialidade

Simple English: In a friendly, kind way.

Example: Come along, said the Scarecrow warmly.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. In the past, Stamford had not been a close friend, but now I greeted him warmly, and he seemed glad to see me too. Go to

2. “How are you?” he said warmly, shaking my hand with a strength I had not expected. Go to

whiskers /ˈwɪskərz/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: bigodes; suíças

Simple English: The hair growing on a man's face, or the long hairs on an animal's face.

Example: The soldier with the green whiskers came in.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He also had a military way of standing and proper side whiskers. Go to

Original English Version

1. He had a military carriage, however, and regulation side whiskers. Go to

willing /ˈwɪlɪŋ/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: disposto; desejando; querendo

Simple English: Ready and enthusiastic to do something or agree.

Example: She is willing to help us with the project this weekend.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. And I think he would take it himself just as willingly. Go to

willpower /ˈwɪlpaʊər/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: força de vontade

Simple English: the strength of mind to control yourself and keep trying

Example: He would get better if he would only use his willpower.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. His chin was strong and square, showing his willpower. Go to

wineglass /ˈwaɪnˌɡlæs/ (2 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: taça de vinho

Simple English: a glass with a thin stem used for drinking wine

Example: She gently touched her lips to the wineglass.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Young Stamford looked at me strangely over his wineglass. Go to

Original English Version

1. Young Stamford looked rather strangely at me over his wineglass. Go to

wound /wuːnd/ (7 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: ferida; ferir; machucado

Simple English: To cause physical injury or harm to someone.

Example: He was wounded during the fight and needed medical attention.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. I was in great pain and very weak after many hard days, so I was taken with many other wounded men to the base hospital at Peshawar. Go to

2. Where in the tropics could an English army doctor have gone through so much and had his arm wounded? Go to

wrists /rɪsts/ (8 occurrences in the simplified text)

Português: pulsos

Simple English: The parts of the body between the hands and the arms.

Example: She wore silver bands on both wrists.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. He has just come from the tropics, because his face is dark, but his wrists are fair, so the color is not natural. Go to

Original English Version

1. He has just come from the tropics, for his face is dark, and that is not the natural tint of his skin, for his wrists are fair. Go to

wrongdoing /ˈrɔŋˌduːɪŋ/ (1 occurrence in the simplified text)

Português: má conduta; delito

Simple English: bad or illegal behaviour

Example: Public wrongdoing brought a long and heavy punishment.

Use in this Book:

Simplified (B1) English Version

1. Wrongdoing often follows the same patterns. Go to

Original Text: Rare Words (1/2)

Compact help for additional rare words found only in the original text. Each entry gives the spelling, pronunciation, common Portuguese meanings and one exact return to the source paragraph.

abstraction /æbˈstrækʃən/ — abstração; distração; alheamento. When I looked at him he had finished reading the note, and his eyes had assumed the vacant, lacklustre expression which showed mental abstraction. Return to Original English Version

absurdity /əbˈsɜːrdəti/ — absurdo. It struck me as being a remarkable mixture of shrewdness and of absurdity. Return to Original English Version

agreeable /əˈɡriːəbəl/ — agradável; aceitável. “I think we may consider the thing as settled - that is, if the rooms are agreeable to you.” Return to Original English Version

alertness /əˈlɜːrtnəs/ — vivacidade; estado de alerta. His eyes were sharp and piercing, save during those intervals of torpor to which I have alluded; and his thin, hawk-like nose gave his whole expression an air of alertness and decision. Return to Original English Version

alluded /əˈluːdɪd/ — aludiu; referiu-se indiretamente. His eyes were sharp and piercing, save during those intervals of torpor to which I have alluded; and his thin, hawk-like nose gave his whole expression an air of alertness and decision. Return to Original English Version

alluding /əˈluːdɪŋ/ — aludindo; referindo-se a. I imagined at the time that he had some strong reason for not alluding to it, but he soon dispelled the idea by coming round to the subject of his own accord. Return to Original English Version

alteration /ˌɔːltəˈreɪʃən/ — alteração; mudança. So alarming did the state of my finances become, that I soon realized that I must either leave the metropolis and rusticate somewhere in the country, or that I must make a complete alteration in my style of living. Return to Original English Version

amassed /əˈmæst/ — acumulou; reuniu. His studies are very desultory and eccentric, but he has amassed a lot of out-of-the-way knowledge which would astonish his professors.” Return to Original English Version

annoy /əˈnɔɪ/ — irritar; incomodar. Would that annoy you?” Return to Original English Version

apropos /ˌæprəˈpoʊ/ — a propósito de. That trick of his of breaking in on his friends’ thoughts with an apropos remark after a quarter of an hour’s silence is really very showy and superficial. Return to Original English Version

aroused /əˈraʊzd/ — despertado; estimulado; exaltado. Those rules of deduction laid down in that article which aroused your scorn, are invaluable to me in practical work. Return to Original English Version

ascended /əˈsendɪd/ — subiu; ascendeu. It was familiar ground to me, and I needed no guiding as we ascended the bleak stone staircase and made our way down the long corridor with its vista of whitewashed wall and dun-coloured doors. Return to Original English Version

ascending /əˈsɛndɪŋ/ — subindo; ascendente. We heard a loud knock, a deep voice below, and heavy steps ascending the stair. Return to Original English Version

assortment /əˈsɔːrtmənt/ — sortimento; variedade. He will have nothing but the tools which may help him in doing his work, but of these he has a large assortment, and all in the most perfect order. Return to Original English Version

astonish /əˈstɑːnɪʃ/ — espantar; surpreender. His studies are very desultory and eccentric, but he has amassed a lot of out-of-the-way knowledge which would astonish his professors.” Return to Original English Version

astonished /əˈstɑːnɪʃt/ — espantado; surpreso. “You appear to be astonished,” he said, smiling at my expression of surprise. Return to Original English Version

astonishment /əˈstɑːnɪʃmənt/ — espanto; assombro. “How on earth did you know that?” I asked in astonishment. Return to Original English Version

astounded /əˈstaʊndɪd/ — pasmado; estupefato. Yet his zeal for certain studies was remarkable, and within eccentric limits his knowledge was so extraordinarily ample and minute that his observations have fairly astounded me. Return to Original English Version

bade /beɪd/ — ordenou; pediu; despediu-se. “You must study him, then,” Stamford said, as he bade me goodbye. Return to Original English Version

bask /bæsk/ — aquecer-se ao sol; deleitar-se. Here I rallied, and had already improved so far as to be able to walk about the wards, and even to bask a little upon the verandah, when I was struck down by enteric fever, that curse of our Indian possessions. Return to Original English Version

bearer /ˈbɛrər/ — criado pessoal; carregador. He had a large blue envelope in his hand, and was evidently the bearer of a message. Return to Original English Version

bemoaning /bɪˈmoʊnɪŋ/ — lamentando; deplorando. He was bemoaning himself this morning because he could not get someone to go halves with him in some nice rooms which he had found, and which were too much for his purse.” Return to Original English Version

blandest /ˈblændɪst/ — mais afável; mais suave. “May I ask, my lad,” I said, in the blandest voice, “what your trade may be?” Return to Original English Version

bloodedness /ˈblʌdɪdnəs/ — frieza. “Holmes is a little too scientific for my tastes - it approaches to cold-bloodedness. Return to Original English Version

blotted /ˈblɒtɪd/ — borrou; apagou. His hands were invariably blotted with ink and stained with chemicals, yet he was possessed of extraordinary delicacy of touch, as I frequently had occasion to observe when I watched him manipulating his fragile philosophical instruments. Return to Original English Version

bodkin /ˈbɑːdkɪn/ — punhal fino; sovela; agulhão. “Let us have some fresh blood,” he said, digging a long bodkin into his finger, and drawing off the resulting drop of blood in a chemical pipette. Return to Original English Version

brag /bræɡ/ — gabar-se; vangloriar-se. “Brag and bounce!” thought I to myself. Return to Original English Version

breakfasted /ˈbrɛkfəstɪd/ — tomou o café da manhã. It was rare for him to be up after ten at night, and he had invariably breakfasted and gone out before I rose in the morning. Return to Original English Version

bristled /ˈbrɪsəld/ — eriçou-se; ficou eriçado. Broad, low tables were scattered about, which bristled with retorts, test-tubes, and little Bunsen lamps, with their blue flickering flames. Return to Original English Version

brownish /ˈbraʊnɪʃ/ — acastanhado. In an instant the contents assumed a dull mahogany colour, and a brownish dust was precipitated to the bottom of the glass jar. Return to Original English Version

bruises /ˈbruːzɪz/ — hematomas; contusões; roxos. “Yes, to verify how far bruises may be produced after death. Return to Original English Version

brusquely /ˈbrʌskli/ — bruscamente; secamente. “I have no time for trifles,” he answered, brusquely; then with a smile, “Excuse my rudeness. Return to Original English Version

bumptious /ˈbʌmpʃəs/ — presunçoso; arrogante. I was still annoyed at his bumptious style of conversation. Return to Original English Version

bungler /ˈbʌŋɡlər/ — incompetente; desastrado. “Lecoq was a miserable bungler,” he said, in an angry voice; “he had only one thing to recommend him, and that was his energy. Return to Original English Version

bungling /ˈbʌŋɡlɪŋ/ — desajeitado; incompetente. There is no crime to detect, or, at most, some bungling villainy with a motive so transparent that even a Scotland Yard official can see through it.” Return to Original English Version

burdens /ˈbɜːrdənz/ — fardos; encargos. No man burdens his mind with small matters unless he has some very good reason for doing so. Return to Original English Version

busily /ˈbɪzɪli/ — atarefadamente; sem parar. For a day or two we were busily employed in unpacking and laying out our property to the best advantage. Return to Original English Version

bustle /ˈbʌsəl/ — agitação; azáfama; apressar-se. Then I have to bustle about and see things with my own eyes. Return to Original English Version

busybody /ˈbɪzibɒdi/ — intrometido; bisbilhoteiro. The reader may set me down as a hopeless busybody, when I confess how much this man stimulated my curiosity, and how often I endeavoured to break through the reticence which he showed on all that concerned himself. Return to Original English Version

callers /ˈkɔːlərz/ — visitas. During the first week or so we had no callers, and I had begun to think that my companion was as friendless a man as I was myself. Return to Original English Version

callosities /kəˈlɒsɪtiz/ — calosidades. By a man’s finger nails, by his coat-sleeve, by his boot, by his trouser knees, by the callosities of his forefinger and thumb, by his expression, by his shirt cuffs - by each of these things a man’s calling is plainly revealed. Return to Original English Version

cavalier /ˌkævəˈlɪər/ — cavaleiro; displicente. I felt rather indignant at having two characters whom I had admired treated in this cavalier style. Return to Original English Version

cesspool /ˈsɛspuːl/ — fossa; poço de imundície. Under such circumstances, I naturally gravitated to London, that great cesspool into which all the loungers and idlers of the Empire are irresistibly drained. Return to Original English Version

cheerfully /ˈtʃɪrfəli/ — alegremente; com bom humor. They consisted of a couple of comfortable bedrooms and a single large airy sitting-room, cheerfully furnished, and illuminated by two broad windows. Return to Original English Version

chemically /ˈkemɪkli/ — quimicamente. “It is interesting, chemically, no doubt,” I answered, “but practically - ” Return to Original English Version

chimerical /kaɪˈmerɪkəl/ — quimérico. The theories which I have expressed there, and which appear to you to be so chimerical are really extremely practical - so practical that I depend upon them for my bread and cheese.” Return to Original English Version

chuckling /ˈtʃʌklɪŋ/ — rindo baixinho; de risadinha. “Never mind,” said he, chuckling to himself. Return to Original English Version

clapped /klæpt/ — bateu (palmas); bateu um contra o outro. I should like to see him clapped down in a third class carriage on the Underground, and asked to give the trades of all his fellow-travellers. Return to Original English Version

cleanliness /ˈklenlinəs/ — limpeza; higiene. On these occasions I have noticed such a dreamy, vacant expression in his eyes, that I might have suspected him of being addicted to the use of some narcotic, had not the temperance and cleanliness of his whole life forbidden such a notion. Return to Original English Version

comfortless /ˈkʌmfərtləs/ — sem conforto; desolado. There I stayed for some time at a private hotel in the Strand, leading a comfortless, meaningless existence, and spending such money as I had, considerably more freely than I ought. Return to Original English Version

commiseratingly /kəˈmɪzəreɪtɪŋli/ — com compaixão; de modo solidário. “Poor devil!” he said, commiseratingly, after he had listened to my misfortunes. Return to Original English Version

communicative /kəˈmjuːnɪkeɪtɪv/ — comunicativo. “No; he is not a man that it is easy to draw out, though he can be communicative enough when the fancy seizes him.” Return to Original English Version

complimenting /ˈkɑːmplɪmentɪŋ/ — elogiando; fazendo cumprimentos. “No doubt you think that you are complimenting me in comparing me to Dupin,” he observed. Return to Original English Version

conceit /kənˈsiːt/ — vaidade; presunção. Here was an opportunity of taking the conceit out of him. Return to Original English Version

conceited /kənˈsiːtɪd/ — convencido; vaidoso. “This fellow may be very clever,” I said to myself, “but he is certainly very conceited.” Return to Original English Version

confide /kənˈfaɪd/ — confiar; contar em segredo. “I have to use this room as a place of business,” he said, “and these people are my clients.” Again I had an opportunity of asking him a point blank question, and again my delicacy prevented me from forcing another man to confide in me. Return to Original English Version

congratulated /kənˈɡrætʃəleɪtɪd/ — felicitou; parabenizou. “You are to be congratulated,” I remarked, considerably surprised at his enthusiasm. Return to Original English Version

conjured /ˈkʌndʒərd/ — evocou; imaginou. His eyes fairly glittered as he spoke, and he put his hand over his heart and bowed as if to some applauding crowd conjured up by his imagination. Return to Original English Version

convalescent /ˌkɒnvəˈlɛsənt/ — convalescente. For months my life was despaired of, and when at last I came to myself and became convalescent, I was so weak and emaciated that a medical board determined that not a day should be lost in sending me back to England. Return to Original English Version

cordially /ˈkɔːrdʒəli/ — cordialmente. “How are you?” he said cordially, gripping my hand with a strength for which I should hardly have given him credit. Return to Original English Version

corpuscles /ˈkɔːrpʌsəlz/ — corpúsculos; células do sangue. So is the microscopic examination for blood corpuscles. Return to Original English Version

crony /ˈkroʊni/ — companheiro de sempre. In old days Stamford had never been a particular crony of mine, but now I hailed him with enthusiasm, and he, in his turn, appeared to be delighted to see me. Return to Original English Version

curt /kɜːrt/ — seco; lacônico. With the unreasonable petulance of mankind I rang the bell and gave a curt intimation that I was ready. Return to Original English Version

dabble /ˈdæbəl/ — mexer superficialmente. “I have to be careful,” he continued, turning to me with a smile, “for I dabble with poisons a good deal.” He held out his hand as he spoke, and I noticed that it was all mottled over with similar pieces of plaster, and discoloured with strong acids. Return to Original English Version

deceit /dɪˈsiːt/ — engano; falsidade. Deceit, according to him, was an impossibility in the case of one trained to observation and analysis. Return to Original English Version

deepened /ˈdiːpənd/ — aprofundou-se; intensificou-se. As the weeks went by, my interest in him and my curiosity as to his aims in life, gradually deepened and increased. Return to Original English Version

delicacy /ˈdelɪkəsi/ — delicadeza. His hands were invariably blotted with ink and stained with chemicals, yet he was possessed of extraordinary delicacy of touch, as I frequently had occasion to observe when I watched him manipulating his fragile philosophical instruments. Return to Original English Version

despaired /dɪˈsperd/ — desesperou; perdeu a esperança. For months my life was despaired of, and when at last I came to myself and became convalescent, I was so weak and emaciated that a medical board determined that not a day should be lost in sending me back to England. Return to Original English Version

desultory /ˈdesəltɔːri/ — desconexo; sem método. His studies are very desultory and eccentric, but he has amassed a lot of out-of-the-way knowledge which would astonish his professors.” Return to Original English Version

deuce /duːs/ — diabo; diacho. “By the way,” I asked suddenly, stopping and turning upon Stamford, “how the deuce did he know that I had come from Afghanistan?” Return to Original English Version

diggings /ˈdɪɡɪŋz/ — área de mineração; alojamento. “My friend here wants to take diggings, and as you were complaining that you could get no one to go halves with you, I thought that I had better bring you together.” Return to Original English Version

discoloured /dɪsˈkʌlərd/ — descolorido; manchado. “I have to be careful,” he continued, turning to me with a smile, “for I dabble with poisons a good deal.” He held out his hand as he spoke, and I noticed that it was all mottled over with similar pieces of plaster, and discoloured with strong acids. Return to Original English Version

dispelled /dɪˈspeld/ — dissipou; afastou. I imagined at the time that he had some strong reason for not alluding to it, but he soon dispelled the idea by coming round to the subject of his own accord. Return to Original English Version

distend /dɪˈstɛnd/ — distender; dilatar. It is a mistake to think that that little room has elastic walls and can distend to any extent. Return to Original English Version

domicile /ˈdɑːməsaɪl/ — domicílio. Choosing the latter alternative, I began by making up my mind to leave the hotel, and to take up my quarters in some less pretentious and less expensive domicile. Return to Original English Version

dresser /ˈdresər/ — assistente hospitalar; enfermeiro que faz curativos. On the very day that I had come to this conclusion, I was standing at the Criterion Bar, when someone tapped me on the shoulder, and turning round I recognized young Stamford, who had been a dresser under me at Barts. Return to Original English Version

drifted /ˈdrɪftɪd/ — foi à deriva; afastou-se aos poucos. “Certainly,” I answered, and the conversation drifted away into other channels. Return to Original English Version

duly /ˈduːli/ — devidamente; no tempo certo. Having completed my studies there, I was duly attached to the Fifth Northumberland Fusiliers as Assistant Surgeon. Return to Original English Version

dumps /dʌmps/ — despeja; abatimento (in the dumps). I get in the dumps at times, and don’t open my mouth for days on end. Return to Original English Version

dun /dʌn/ — o baio; cavalo pardo. It was familiar ground to me, and I needed no guiding as we ascended the bleak stone staircase and made our way down the long corridor with its vista of whitewashed wall and dun-coloured doors. Return to Original English Version

eagerness /ˈiːɡərnəs/ — ânsia; entusiasmo; avidez. Come over here now!” He seized me by the coat-sleeve in his eagerness, and drew me over to the table at which he had been working. Return to Original English Version

earthly /ˈɜːrθli/ — terreno; do mundo. There still remained some lurking suspicion in my mind, however, that the whole thing was a prearranged episode, intended to dazzle me, though what earthly object he could have in taking me in was past my comprehension. Return to Original English Version

elbowing /ˈɛlboʊɪŋ/ — abrindo caminho com os cotovelos. It is of the highest importance, therefore, not to have useless facts elbowing out the useful ones.” Return to Original English Version

emaciated /ɪˈmeɪʃieɪtɪd/ — emaciado; esquálido. For months my life was despaired of, and when at last I came to myself and became convalescent, I was so weak and emaciated that a medical board determined that not a day should be lost in sending me back to England. Return to Original English Version

endeavoured /ɪnˈdevərd/ — esforçou-se; procurou. The reader may set me down as a hopeless busybody, when I confess how much this man stimulated my curiosity, and how often I endeavoured to break through the reticence which he showed on all that concerned himself. Return to Original English Version

endeavouring /ɪnˈdevərɪŋ/ — esforçando-se; procurando. Under these circumstances, I eagerly hailed the little mystery which hung around my companion, and spent much of my time in endeavouring to unravel it. Return to Original English Version

enemy's /ˈenəmiz/ — do inimigo. On landing at Bombay, I learned that my corps had advanced through the passes, and was already deep in the enemy’s country. Return to Original English Version

enigmatical /ˌenɪɡˈmætɪkəl/ — enigmático. My companion smiled an enigmatical smile. Return to Original English Version

enlighten /ɪnˈlaɪtən/ — esclarecer; instruir. That all united should fail to enlighten the competent enquirer in any case is almost inconceivable.” Return to Original English Version

enlightening /ɪnˈlaɪtənɪŋ/ — esclarecendo; instruindo. They are all people who are in trouble about something, and want a little enlightening. Return to Original English Version

enquirer /ɪnˈkwaɪərər/ — indagador; investigador. Before turning to those moral and mental aspects of the matter which present the greatest difficulties, let the enquirer begin by mastering more elementary problems. Return to Original English Version

enthusiast /ɪnˈθuːziæst/ — entusiasta. He is a little queer in his ideas - an enthusiast in some branches of science. Return to Original English Version

enumerated /ɪˈnuːməreɪtɪd/ — enumerou. I enumerated in my own mind all the various points upon which he had shown me that he was exceptionally well-informed. Return to Original English Version

euclid /ˈjuːklɪd/ — Euclides. His conclusions were as infallible as so many propositions of Euclid. Return to Original English Version

evolves /ɪˈvɒlvz/ — desenvolve; elabora. It is evidently the theory of some armchair lounger who evolves all these neat little paradoxes in the seclusion of his own study. Return to Original English Version

exactness /ɪɡˈzæktnəs/ — exatidão; precisão; rigor. Desultory readers are seldom remarkable for the exactness of their learning. Return to Original English Version

exasperating /ɪɡˈzɑːspəreɪtɪŋ/ — exasperante; irritante. I might have rebelled against these exasperating solos had it not been that he usually terminated them by playing in quick succession a whole series of my favourite airs as a slight compensation for the trial upon my patience. Return to Original English Version

excessively /ɪkˈsesɪvli/ — excessivamente; em demasia. In height he was rather over six feet, and so excessively lean that he seemed to be considerably taller. Return to Original English Version

extraordinarily /ɪkˈstrɔːrdənerəli/ — extraordinariamente. Yet his zeal for certain studies was remarkable, and within eccentric limits his knowledge was so extraordinarily ample and minute that his observations have fairly astounded me. Return to Original English Version

exuberance /ɪɡˈzuːbərəns/ — exuberância. In the exuberance of my joy, I asked him to lunch with me at the Holborn, and we started off together in a hansom. Return to Original English Version

facilitates /fəˈsɪlɪteɪts/ — facilita. You see I have a lot of special knowledge which I apply to the problem, and which facilitates matters wonderfully. Return to Original English Version

faculties /ˈfækəltiz/ — faculdades; capacidades mentais. Puerile as such an exercise may seem, it sharpens the faculties of observation, and teaches one where to look and what to look for. Return to Original English Version

fathom /ˈfæðəm/ — braça; medida de profundidade. The writer claimed by a momentary expression, a twitch of a muscle or a glance of an eye, to fathom a man’s inmost thoughts. Return to Original English Version

fellow's /ˈfeloʊz/ — do sujeito; do camarada. Is this fellow’s temper so formidable, or what is it? Return to Original English Version

fetched /fetʃt/ — buscou; trouxe. The reasoning was close and intense, but the deductions appeared to me to be far-fetched and exaggerated. Return to Original English Version

fiddle /ˈfɪdəl/ — rabeca; violino popular. Leaning back in his armchair of an evening, he would close his eyes and scrape carelessly at the fiddle which was thrown across his knee. Return to Original English Version

forbade /fərˈbæd/ — proibia. My health forbade me from venturing out unless the weather was exceptionally genial, and I had no friends who would call upon me and break the monotony of my daily existence. Return to Original English Version

genial /ˈdʒiːniəl/ — afável; jovial; ameno. My health forbade me from venturing out unless the weather was exceptionally genial, and I had no friends who would call upon me and break the monotony of my daily existence. Return to Original English Version

glanced /ɡlænst/ — lançou um olhar; deu uma olhada. At the sound of our steps he glanced round and sprang to his feet with a cry of pleasure. Return to Original English Version

glittered /ˈɡlɪtərd/ — brilhavam; faiscavam. His eyes fairly glittered as he spoke, and he put his hand over his heart and bowed as if to some applauding crowd conjured up by his imagination. Return to Original English Version

gravitated /ˈɡrævɪteɪtɪd/ — gravitou; foi atraído. Under such circumstances, I naturally gravitated to London, that great cesspool into which all the loungers and idlers of the Empire are irresistibly drained. Return to Original English Version

grazed /ɡreɪzd/ — pastou; roçou de leve; esfolou. There I was struck on the shoulder by a Jezail bullet, which shattered the bone and grazed the subclavian artery. Return to Original English Version

gripping /ˈɡrɪpɪŋ/ — agarrando; empolgante. “How are you?” he said cordially, gripping my hand with a strength for which I should hardly have given him credit. Return to Original English Version

gruffly /ˈɡrʌfli/ — asperamente; com voz rude. “Commissionaire, sir,” he said, gruffly. Return to Original English Version

haggard /ˈhæɡərd/ — abatido; exausto. He has undergone hardship and sickness, as his haggard face says clearly. Return to Original English Version

hailed /heɪld/ — chamou; saudou; era natural de. In old days Stamford had never been a particular crony of mine, but now I hailed him with enthusiasm, and he, in his turn, appeared to be delighted to see me. Return to Original English Version

halves /hævz/ — metades. He was bemoaning himself this morning because he could not get someone to go halves with him in some nice rooms which he had found, and which were too much for his purse.” Return to Original English Version

hardships /ˈhɑːrdʃɪps/ — dificuldades; privações. Worn with pain, and weak from the prolonged hardships which I had undergone, I was removed, with a great train of wounded sufferers, to the base hospital at Peshawar. Return to Original English Version

hinging /ˈhɪndʒɪŋ/ — dependendo; girando em torno. “Criminal cases are continually hinging upon that one point. Return to Original English Version

hour's /ˈaʊərz/ — de uma hora. That trick of his of breaking in on his friends’ thoughts with an apropos remark after a quarter of an hour’s silence is really very showy and superficial. Return to Original English Version

idlers /ˈaɪdlər/ — ociosos; desocupados. Under such circumstances, I naturally gravitated to London, that great cesspool into which all the loungers and idlers of the Empire are irresistibly drained. Return to Original English Version

impossibility /ɪmˌpɑːsəˈbɪləti/ — impossibilidade. Deceit, according to him, was an impossibility in the case of one trained to observation and analysis. Return to Original English Version

inconceivable /ˌɪnkənˈsiːvəbəl/ — inconcebível; impensável. That all united should fail to enlighten the competent enquirer in any case is almost inconceivable.” Return to Original English Version

indignant /ɪnˈdɪɡnənt/ — indignado; revoltado. I felt rather indignant at having two characters whom I had admired treated in this cavalier style. Return to Original English Version

ineffable /ɪnˈefəbəl/ — inefável; indizível. “What ineffable twaddle!” I cried, slapping the magazine down on the table, “I never read such rubbish in my life.” Return to Original English Version

inexpressible /ˌɪnɪkˈspresəbəl/ — inexprimível; indizível. “It is not easy to express the inexpressible,” he answered with a laugh. Return to Original English Version

infallible /ɪnˈfæləbəl/ — infalível. Don’t you see that it gives us an infallible test for blood stains? Return to Original English Version

infer /ɪnˈfɜːr/ — inferir; deduzir. “From a drop of water,” said the writer, “a logician could infer the possibility of an Atlantic or a Niagara without having seen or heard of one or the other. Return to Original English Version

inmost /ˈɪnmoʊst/ — mais íntimo. The writer claimed by a momentary expression, a twitch of a muscle or a glance of an eye, to fathom a man’s inmost thoughts. Return to Original English Version

inquired /ɪnˈkwaɪərd/ — perguntou; indagou. Upon my quoting Thomas Carlyle, he inquired in the naivest way who he might be and what he had done. Return to Original English Version

intimation /ˌɪntɪˈmeɪʃən/ — insinuação; indício; aviso velado. With the unreasonable petulance of mankind I rang the bell and gave a curt intimation that I was ready. Return to Original English Version

invariably /ɪnˈveriəbli/ — invariavelmente; sempre. It was rare for him to be up after ten at night, and he had invariably breakfasted and gone out before I rose in the morning. Return to Original English Version

involuntarily /ɪnˈvɑːləntərəli/ — involuntariamente; sem querer. “And how?” I asked involuntarily. Return to Original English Version

irresistibly /ˌɪrɪˈzɪstəbli/ — irresistivelmente. Under such circumstances, I naturally gravitated to London, that great cesspool into which all the loungers and idlers of the Empire are irresistibly drained. Return to Original English Version

irretrievably /ˌɪrɪˈtriːvəbli/ — irremediavelmente. I was dispatched, accordingly, in the troopship Orontes, and landed a month later on Portsmouth jetty, with my health irretrievably ruined, but with permission from a paternal government to spend the next nine months in attempting to improve it. Return to Original English Version

irritates /ˈɪrəˌteɪts/ — irrita; incomoda. It irritates me though. Return to Original English Version

jotted /ˈdʒɑːtɪd/ — anotou rapidamente. I even took a pencil and jotted them down. Return to Original English Version

jumbled /ˈdʒʌmbəld/ — embaralhado; misturado sem ordem. A fool takes in all the lumber of every sort that he comes across, so that the knowledge which might be useful to him gets crowded out, or at best is jumbled up with a lot of other things so that he has a difficulty in laying his hands upon it. Return to Original English Version

kith /kɪθ/ — conhecidos (em kith and kin). I had neither kith nor kin in England, and was therefore as free as air - or as free as an income of eleven shillings and sixpence a day will permit a man to be. Return to Original English Version

knotty /ˈnɑːti/ — nodoso; complicado. “You’ll find him a knotty problem, though. Return to Original English Version

lacklustre /see source pronunciation/ — termo lexical. When I looked at him he had finished reading the note, and his eyes had assumed the vacant, lacklustre expression which showed mental abstraction. Return to Original English Version

lath /læθ/ — ripa. “You are as thin as a lath and as brown as a nut.” Return to Original English Version

littered /ˈlɪttərɛd/ — espalhar lixo; ninhada. This was a lofty chamber, lined and littered with countless bottles. Return to Original English Version

lofty /ˈlɔːfti/ — elevado; altivo; grandioso. This was a lofty chamber, lined and littered with countless bottles. Return to Original English Version

logician /loʊˈdʒɪʃən/ — lógico (pessoa que raciocina com lógica). “From a drop of water,” said the writer, “a logician could infer the possibility of an Atlantic or a Niagara without having seen or heard of one or the other. Return to Original English Version

lounger /ˈlaʊndʒər/ — vadio; quem fica à toa. It is evidently the theory of some armchair lounger who evolves all these neat little paradoxes in the seclusion of his own study. Return to Original English Version

loungers /ˈlaʊndʒərz/ — ociosos; pessoas descansando. Under such circumstances, I naturally gravitated to London, that great cesspool into which all the loungers and idlers of the Empire are irresistibly drained. Return to Original English Version

luncheon /ˈlʌntʃən/ — almoço formal. If you like, we shall drive round together after luncheon.” Return to Original English Version

mahogany /məˈhɑːɡəni/ — mogno; castanho-avermelhado. In an instant the contents assumed a dull mahogany colour, and a brownish dust was precipitated to the bottom of the glass jar. Return to Original English Version

malevolence /məˈlevələns/ — malevolência. I could imagine his giving a friend a little pinch of the latest vegetable alkaloid, not out of malevolence, you understand, but simply out of a spirit of inquiry in order to have an accurate idea of the effects. Return to Original English Version

manipulating /məˈnɪpjəleɪtɪŋ/ — manipulando. His hands were invariably blotted with ink and stained with chemicals, yet he was possessed of extraordinary delicacy of touch, as I frequently had occasion to observe when I watched him manipulating his fragile philosophical instruments. Return to Original English Version

mastering /ˈmæstərɪŋ/ — dominando; controlando. Before turning to those moral and mental aspects of the matter which present the greatest difficulties, let the enquirer begin by mastering more elementary problems. Return to Original English Version

mealymouthed /ˌmiːliˈmaʊðd/ — evasivo; excessivamente cuidadoso. Don’t be mealymouthed about it.” Return to Original English Version

medico /ˈmedɪkoʊ/ — médico; elemento de composição médico-. “Why, man, it is the most practical medico-legal discovery for years. Return to Original English Version

melancholy /ˈmɛlənkəli/ — melancolia; tristeza pensativa. Sometimes the chords were sonorous and melancholy. Return to Original English Version

microscopic /ˌmaɪkrəˈskɑːpɪk/ — microscópico. So is the microscopic examination for blood corpuscles. Return to Original English Version

misdeeds /ˌmɪsˈdiːdz/ — más ações; delitos. There is a strong family resemblance about misdeeds, and if you have all the details of a thousand at your finger ends, it is odd if you can’t unravel the thousand and first. Return to Original English Version

misfortune /mɪsˈfɔːrtʃuːn/ — infortúnio. The campaign brought honours and promotion to many, but for me it had nothing but misfortune and disaster. Return to Original English Version

misfortunes /mɪsˈfɔːrtʃuːnz/ — infortúnios. “Poor devil!” he said, commiseratingly, after he had listened to my misfortunes. Return to Original English Version

momentary /ˈmoʊmənˌtɛri/ — momentâneo; passageiro. The writer claimed by a momentary expression, a twitch of a muscle or a glance of an eye, to fathom a man’s inmost thoughts. Return to Original English Version

monotony /məˈnɑːtəni/ — monotonia. My health forbade me from venturing out unless the weather was exceptionally genial, and I had no friends who would call upon me and break the monotony of my daily existence. Return to Original English Version

mottled /ˈmɑːtəld/ — malhado; sarapintado. “I have to be careful,” he continued, turning to me with a smile, “for I dabble with poisons a good deal.” He held out his hand as he spoke, and I noticed that it was all mottled over with similar pieces of plaster, and discoloured with strong acids. Return to Original English Version

munched /mʌntʃt/ — mastigou ruidosamente. Then I picked up a magazine from the table and attempted to while away the time with it, while my companion munched silently at his toast. Return to Original English Version

murderous /ˈmɜːrdərəs/ — assassino; homicida; sanguinário. I should have fallen into the hands of the murderous Ghazis had it not been for the devotion and courage shown by Murray, my orderly, who threw me across a packhorse, and succeeded in bringing me safely to the British lines. Return to Original English Version

murmured /ˈmɜːrmərd/ — murmuraram. “Indeed!” I murmured. Return to Original English Version

mustn't /ˈmʌsənt/ — não deve (contração de must not). “You mustn’t blame me if you don’t get on with him,” he said; “I know nothing more of him than I have learned from meeting him occasionally in the laboratory. Return to Original English Version

naivest /naɪˈiːvɪst/ — mais ingênuo. Upon my quoting Thomas Carlyle, he inquired in the naivest way who he might be and what he had done. Return to Original English Version

narcotic /nɑːrˈkɑːtɪk/ — narcótico. On these occasions I have noticed such a dreamy, vacant expression in his eyes, that I might have suspected him of being addicted to the use of some narcotic, had not the temperance and cleanliness of his whole life forbidden such a notion. Return to Original English Version

necromancer /ˈnɛkrəmænsə(r)/ — necromante. So startling would his results appear to the uninitiated that until they learned the processes by which he had arrived at them they might well consider him as a necromancer. Return to Original English Version

nondescript /ˈnɑːndɪskrɪpt/ — sem traços marcantes; banal. When any of these nondescript individuals put in an appearance, Sherlock Holmes used to beg for the use of the sitting-room, and I would retire to my bedroom. Return to Original English Version

objectless /ˈɒbdʒɛktləs/ — sem objeto. Before pronouncing judgment, however, be it remembered, how objectless was my life and how little there was to engage my attention. Return to Original English Version

particulars /pərˈtɪkjələrz/ — detalhes. As we made our way to the hospital after leaving the Holborn, Stamford gave me a few more particulars about the gentleman whom I proposed to take as a fellow-lodger. Return to Original English Version

paternal /pəˈtɜːrnəl/ — paterno. I was dispatched, accordingly, in the troopship Orontes, and landed a month later on Portsmouth jetty, with my health irretrievably ruined, but with permission from a paternal government to spend the next nine months in attempting to improve it. Return to Original English Version

peculiarity /pɪˌkjuːliˈærəti/ — particularidade. “That’s just his little peculiarity,” he said. Return to Original English Version

pedlar /ˈpɛdlər/ — vendedor ambulante. The same afternoon brought a grey-headed, seedy visitor, looking like a Jew pedlar, who appeared to me to be much excited, and who was closely followed by a slipshod elderly woman. Return to Original English Version

pennyworth /ˈpeniwɜːrθ/ — um mínimo; um pingo. If we went round the moon it would not make a pennyworth of difference to me or to my work.” Return to Original English Version

petulance /ˈpetʃələns/ — petulância; irritadiça impaciência. With the unreasonable petulance of mankind I rang the bell and gave a curt intimation that I was ready. Return to Original English Version

petulantly /ˈpɛtʃələntli/ — com petulância; de mau humor. “Deduce what?” said he, petulantly. Return to Original English Version

piquant /ˈpiːkənt/ — picante; vivaz; provocante. “This is very piquant. Return to Original English Version

pondered /ˈpɑːndərd/ — ponderou; refletiu sobre. I pondered over our short conversation, however, and endeavoured to draw my deductions from it. Return to Original English Version

portmanteaus /pɔːrtˈmæntoʊz/ — malas de viagem. That very evening I moved my things round from the hotel, and on the following morning Sherlock Holmes followed me with several boxes and portmanteaus. Return to Original English Version

prearranged /ˌpriːəˈreɪndʒd/ — combinado de antemão. There still remained some lurking suspicion in my mind, however, that the whole thing was a prearranged episode, intended to dazzle me, though what earthly object he could have in taking me in was past my comprehension. Return to Original English Version

precipitated /prɪˈsɪpɪteɪtɪd/ — precipitou; desencadeou. “I have found a reagent which is precipitated by haemoglobin, and by nothing else.” Had he discovered a gold mine, greater delight could not have shone upon his features. Return to Original English Version

pretentious /prɪˈtɛnʃəs/ — pretensioso. Choosing the latter alternative, I began by making up my mind to leave the hotel, and to take up my quarters in some less pretentious and less expensive domicile. Return to Original English Version

pronouncing /prəˈnaʊnsɪŋ/ — pronunciando. Before pronouncing judgment, however, be it remembered, how objectless was my life and how little there was to engage my attention. Return to Original English Version

puerile /ˈpjʊəraɪl/ — infantil. Puerile as such an exercise may seem, it sharpens the faculties of observation, and teaches one where to look and what to look for. Return to Original English Version

querulously /ˈkwerələsli/ — queixosamente; resmungando. “There are no crimes and no criminals in these days,” he said, querulously. Return to Original English Version

rallied /ˈrælid/ — reuniu-se; recuperou-se. Here I rallied, and had already improved so far as to be able to walk about the wards, and even to bask a little upon the verandah, when I was struck down by enteric fever, that curse of our Indian possessions. Return to Original English Version

reconciling ˈrɛkənsaɪlɪŋ — reconciliando. “If I can only find what the fellow is driving at by reconciling all these accomplishments, and discovering a calling which needs them all,” I said to myself, “I may as well give up the attempt at once.” Return to Original English Version

reticence /ˈretɪsəns/ — reticência; reserva. The reader may set me down as a hopeless busybody, when I confess how much this man stimulated my curiosity, and how often I endeavoured to break through the reticence which he showed on all that concerned himself. Return to Original English Version

roadway /ˈroʊdweɪ/ — leito da estrada; pista. The thought had hardly passed through my mind when the man whom we were watching caught sight of the number on our door, and ran rapidly across the roadway. Return to Original English Version

rudeness /ˈruːdnəs/ — grosseria; falta de educação. “I have no time for trifles,” he answered, brusquely; then with a smile, “Excuse my rudeness. Return to Original English Version

rusticate ˈrʌstɪkeɪt — viver no campo. So alarming did the state of my finances become, that I soon realized that I must either leave the metropolis and rusticate somewhere in the country, or that I must make a complete alteration in my style of living. Return to Original English Version

sallow /ˈsæloʊ/ — amarelado; macilento. There was one little sallow rat-faced, dark-eyed fellow who was introduced to me as Mr. Lestrade, and who came three or four times in a single week. Return to Original English Version

sardonically /sɑːrˈdɒnɪkli/ — com sarcasmo amargo. Sherlock Holmes sniffed sardonically. Return to Original English Version

scorn /skɔːrn/ — desdém; desprezo. Those rules of deduction laid down in that article which aroused your scorn, are invaluable to me in practical work. Return to Original English Version

scrape /skreɪp/ — raspar; arranhar; apuro. Leaning back in his armchair of an evening, he would close his eyes and scrape carelessly at the fiddle which was thrown across his knee. Return to Original English Version

seclusion /sɪˈkluʒən/ — isolamento. It is evidently the theory of some armchair lounger who evolves all these neat little paradoxes in the seclusion of his own study. Return to Original English Version

seedy sidi — malcuidado. The same afternoon brought a grey-headed, seedy visitor, looking like a Jew pedlar, who appeared to me to be much excited, and who was closely followed by a slipshod elderly woman. Return to Original English Version

seizes /ˈsiːzɪz/ — agarra; apanha. “No; he is not a man that it is easy to draw out, though he can be communicative enough when the fancy seizes him.” Return to Original English Version

Original Text: Rare Words (2/2)

shortcomings /ˈʃɔːrtkʌmɪŋz/ — defeitos; falhas. “Let me see - what are my other shortcomings? Return to Original English Version

shrewdness /ˈʃruːdnəs/ — sagacidade. It struck me as being a remarkable mixture of shrewdness and of absurdity. Return to Original English Version

skilful /ˈskɪlfəl/ — habilidoso. Now the skilful workman is very careful indeed as to what he takes into his brain-attic. Return to Original English Version

slipshod /ˈslɪpʃɑːd/ — desleixado; malfeito. The same afternoon brought a grey-headed, seedy visitor, looking like a Jew pedlar, who appeared to me to be much excited, and who was closely followed by a slipshod elderly woman. Return to Original English Version

smacked /smˈækt/ — tapa. That smacked of the sea. Return to Original English Version

smartly /ˈsmɑːrtli/ — elegantemente; com desembaraço; energicamente. I don’t deny that it is smartly written. Return to Original English Version

sonorous /səˈnɔːrəs/ — sonoro; grave e cheio. Sometimes the chords were sonorous and melancholy. Return to Original English Version

sprang /spræŋ/ — saltou; pulou. At the sound of our steps he glanced round and sprang to his feet with a cry of pleasure. Return to Original English Version

squareness /ˈskwɛərnəs/ — angularidade. His chin, too, had the prominence and squareness which mark the man of determination. Return to Original English Version

stalwart /ˈstɔːlwərt/ — robusto; leal e firme; partidário fiel. “I wonder what that fellow is looking for?” I asked, pointing to a stalwart, plainly-dressed individual who was walking slowly down the other side of the street, looking anxiously at the numbers. Return to Original English Version

startled /ˈstɑːrtəld/ — assustada; sobressaltada. I confess that I was considerably startled by this fresh proof of the practical nature of my companion’s theories. Return to Original English Version

startling /ˈstɑːrtlɪŋ/ — surpreendente; assustador. So startling would his results appear to the uninitiated that until they learned the processes by which he had arrived at them they might well consider him as a necromancer. Return to Original English Version

stimulated /ˈstɪmjuleɪtɪd/ — estimulou; estimulado. The reader may set me down as a hopeless busybody, when I confess how much this man stimulated my curiosity, and how often I endeavoured to break through the reticence which he showed on all that concerned himself. Return to Original English Version

strolled /stroʊld/ — passeou. “Goodbye,” I answered, and strolled on to my hotel, considerably interested in my new acquaintance. Return to Original English Version

studious /ˈstuːdiəs/ — estudioso; aplicado; cuidadoso. “If I am to lodge with anyone, I should prefer a man of studious and quiet habits. Return to Original English Version

sufferers /ˈsʌfərərz/ — pessoas que sofrem. Worn with pain, and weak from the prolonged hardships which I had undergone, I was removed, with a great train of wounded sufferers, to the base hospital at Peshawar. Return to Original English Version

sulky /ˈsʌlki/ — emburrado; amuado. You must not think I am sulky when I do that. Return to Original English Version

temperance /ˈtɛmpərəns/ — temperança. On these occasions I have noticed such a dreamy, vacant expression in his eyes, that I might have suspected him of being addicted to the use of some narcotic, had not the temperance and cleanliness of his whole life forbidden such a notion. Return to Original English Version

tint /tɪnt/ — tom; tonalidade. He has just come from the tropics, for his face is dark, and that is not the natural tint of his skin, for his wrists are fair. Return to Original English Version

torpor /ˈtɔːrpər/ — torpor; letargia. His eyes were sharp and piercing, save during those intervals of torpor to which I have alluded; and his thin, hawk-like nose gave his whole expression an air of alertness and decision. Return to Original English Version

trifles /ˈtraɪfəlz/ — ninharias; coisas sem importância. “I have no time for trifles,” he answered, brusquely; then with a smile, “Excuse my rudeness. Return to Original English Version

twaddle /ˈtwɑːdəl/ — bobagem; falar bobagem. “What ineffable twaddle!” I cried, slapping the magazine down on the table, “I never read such rubbish in my life.” Return to Original English Version

undisguised /ˌʌndɪsˈɡaɪzd/ — sem disfarce. “Whatever have you been doing with yourself, Watson?” he asked in undisguised wonder, as we rattled through the crowded London streets. Return to Original English Version

ungodly /ʌnˈɡɑːdli/ — ímpio; profano; (informal) terrível. “I keep a bull pup,” I said, “and I object to rows because my nerves are shaken, and I get up at all sorts of ungodly hours, and I am extremely lazy. Return to Original English Version

uninitiated /ˌʌnɪˈnɪʃieɪtɪd/ — não iniciado; leigo. So startling would his results appear to the uninitiated that until they learned the processes by which he had arrived at them they might well consider him as a necromancer. Return to Original English Version

unnatural /ʌnˈnætʃərəl/ — antinatural; artificial; desumano. He holds it in a stiff and unnatural manner. Return to Original English Version

unravel /ʌnˈrævəl/ — desenredar; desembaraçar. Under these circumstances, I eagerly hailed the little mystery which hung around my companion, and spent much of my time in endeavouring to unravel it. Return to Original English Version

unwelcome /ʌnˈwelkəm/ — indesejado; malvindo; inoportuno. I was on the point of asking him what that work might be, but something in his manner showed me that the question would be an unwelcome one. Return to Original English Version

uttering /ˈʌtərɪŋ/ — proferindo; emitindo. Nothing could exceed his energy when the working fit was upon him; but now and again a reaction would seize him, and for days on end he would lie upon the sofa in the sitting-room, hardly uttering a word or moving a muscle from morning to night. Return to Original English Version

valueless /ˈvæljuːləs/ — sem valor. The latter is valueless if the stains are a few hours old. Return to Original English Version

venturing /ˈventʃərɪŋ/ — aventurando-se. My health forbade me from venturing out unless the weather was exceptionally genial, and I had no friends who would call upon me and break the monotony of my daily existence. Return to Original English Version

vices /ˈvaɪsɪz/ — vícios; tornos de bancada. I have another set of vices when I’m well, but those are the principal ones at present.” Return to Original English Version

villainy /ˈvɪləni/ — vilania; infâmia. There is no crime to detect, or, at most, some bungling villainy with a motive so transparent that even a Scotland Yard official can see through it.” Return to Original English Version

wager /ˈweɪdʒər/ — aposta; apostar. I’ll wager he learns more about you than you about him. Return to Original English Version

whim /wɪm/ — capricho; impulso repentino. Clearly they reflected the thoughts which possessed him, but whether the music aided those thoughts, or whether the playing was simply the result of a whim or fancy was more than I could determine. Return to Original English Version

whitewashed /ˈwaɪtwɑːʃt/ — caiadas. It was familiar ground to me, and I needed no guiding as we ascended the bleak stone staircase and made our way down the long corridor with its vista of whitewashed wall and dun-coloured doors. Return to Original English Version

wondrously /ˈwʌndrəsli/ — maravilhosamente. My respect for his powers of analysis increased wondrously. Return to Original English Version

workman /ˈwɜːrkmən/ — operário; trabalhador braçal. Now the skilful workman is very careful indeed as to what he takes into his brain-attic. Return to Original English Version

zeal /ziːl/ — zelo; fervor. Yet his zeal for certain studies was remarkable, and within eccentric limits his knowledge was so extraordinarily ample and minute that his observations have fairly astounded me. Return to Original English Version