“We have now sunk to a depth at which restatement of the obvious is the first duty of intelligent men.”

“Sometimes the first duty of intelligent men is the restatement of the obvious.”

“You know I have duties──we both have duties──before which feeling must be sacrificed.”

“The affair seems absurdly trifling, and yet I dare call nothing trivial when I reflect that some of my most classic cases have had the least promising commencement. You will remember, Watson, how the dreadful business of the Abernetty family was first brought to my notice by the depth which the parsley had sunk into the butter upon a hot day.”

“Therefore, in regard to this very subject of which we here treat, since we have the clear word and command of God, by which magistrates are ordered to punish blasphemy. ... This is particularly the duty of the Magistrate, to take care that sins against the first Table are avenged”

“There are three types of intelligent persons: the first so intelligent that being called very intelligent must seem natural and obvious; the second sufficiently intelligent to see that he is being flattered, not described; the third so little intelligent that he will believe anything. I knew I belonged to the second kind.”