The solution referred to in Sherlock Holmes’s “seven-per-cent solution” - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

This clue is a direct pull from the world of classic literature, specifically the canon of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. It tests a solver's knowledge of the famous detective's personal habits, which were as much a part of his character as his deerstalker cap and magnifying glass. The key is understanding the specific meaning of "solution" in this context.

Clue Analysis

The clue quotes a famous phrase: "the seven-per-cent solution." In chemistry, a "solution" is a liquid mixture in which a minor component (the solute) is uniformly distributed within the major component (the solvent). The clue is asking for the solute in this particular mixture. The phrase itself is uttered by Dr. Watson in the novel The Sign of the Four, where he describes Holmes's drug habit.

This is a trivia-based clue. Either you recognize the phrase and its meaning, or you'll need to rely on crossing letters to piece it together. The phrasing is precise, pointing directly to a specific element of the Sherlock Holmes lore.

Thinking Approaches

1. Direct Recall: The most straightforward path is recognizing the quote. Fans of Sherlock Holmes, whether from the original books or various adaptations, are likely familiar with his infamous vice. The phrase "seven-per-cent solution" is a well-known euphemism for it.

2. Keyword Association: If the phrase isn't immediately familiar, a solver can break it down. The key is "Sherlock Holmes." What are his defining traits and habits? Beyond his intellect, pipe smoking, and violin playing, his use of a certain substance to alleviate boredom is a major character point. The word "solution" hints at something injectable or liquid.

3. Inference and Crossings: Without direct knowledge, a solver must depend on the grid. If you have a few letters, say C_C___E, and you consider the context of a "solution" used by a brilliant but eccentric Victorian detective, you might be able to deduce the answer. The substance was legal at the time but is illicit today, which can help narrow the possibilities.

Background Context

In Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories, Sherlock Holmes uses a specific drug to stimulate his mind when he is not actively working on a case. He famously remarks, "My mind rebels at stagnation. Give me problems, give me work..." and turns to the drug when no such stimulation is available. Dr. Watson, his loyal companion and biographer, strongly disapproves of the habit, viewing it as the detective's only vice.

The phrase gained further prominence from the 1974 novel by Nicholas Meyer, The Seven-Per-Cent Solution, and its subsequent film adaptation. In this pastiche, Dr. Watson lures Holmes to Vienna, where he is treated for his addiction by none other than Sigmund Freud. This work cemented the phrase in popular culture as a direct reference to Holmes's drug use.

Conclusion

This clue is a great example of how crossword puzzles draw from the wider cultural landscape. It rewards literary knowledge and familiarity with one of fiction's most enduring characters. By understanding the double meaning of "solution" and recalling the details of Holmes's world, a solver can confidently fill in the grid.

Hints

1. Hint 1: The answer refers to a notable habit or vice of the famous detective.
2. Hint 2: In the stories, this substance was administered via a hypodermic syringe.
3. Hint 3: It is a powerful stimulant that was legal in the Victorian era but is now a controlled substance.
4. Hint 4: Dr. Watson strongly disapproved of Holmes's use of this drug to combat boredom between cases.