The Case with Nine Solutions · Theme
Science and Poison
How The Case with Nine Solutions develops Science and Poison.
The use of hyoscine, a drug from the Croft-Thornton Institute, as a murder weapon underscores the theme of scientific knowledge being exploited for criminal purposes, with characters like Dr. Markfield and Silverdale having access to it.
Where it surfaces
- VI: The Nine Possible Solutions
Poison is a key element in Mrs. Silverdale's death, with discussions about its nature and the possibility of self-administration.
- VII: The Fly in the Amber
The discussion of alkaloid poisons, the laboratory setting, and the synthetic amber holder underscore the intersection of science and criminal investigation.
- X: Information Received
The identification of hyoscine as the murder poison, with detailed discussion of dosage and chemical analysis, highlights the role of scientific expertise in the investigation.
- XIII: The Murder of the Informer
The tourniquet made from pressure-tubing and banjo-string suggests scientific knowledge, possibly from the Croft-Thornton Institute.
- XIV: The Jacket
The picric acid stain on the cloth and the laboratory setting underscore the scientific and chemical aspects of the investigation.
- XVI: Written Evidence
The letter discusses using hyoscine, a poison, to eliminate Mrs. Silverdale, and the investigation involves microphotographic analysis of the document.
- Mr. Justice
Markfield's chemical apparatus and his mention of triethylamine and tetranitromethane highlight his scientific background, which he used in his crimes.
- Excerpts from Sir Clinton’s Notebook
Hyoscine is identified as the poison; Hassendean's dosage error due to metric/apothecary confusion is explained.