Dr. Thorndyke

Illustration by H.M. Brock (1875-1960) for John Thorndyke's cases (1908-9) by R. Austin Freeman (1862-1943)-p286 Superintendant Miller Rises to the Occasion 07

Illustration by H.M. Brock (1875-1960) for John Thorndyke's cases (1908-9) by R. Austin Freeman (1862-1943)-p286 Superintendant Miller Rises to the Occasion 05

Illustration by H.M. Brock (1875-1960) for John Thorndyke's cases (1908-9) by R. Austin Freeman (1862-1943)-p286 Superintendant Miller Rises to the Occasion 04

Illustration by H.M. Brock (1875-1960) for John Thorndyke's cases (1908-9) by R. Austin Freeman (1862-1943)-p286 Superintendant Miller Rises to the Occasion 03

Illustration by H.M. Brock (1875-1960) for John Thorndyke's cases (1908-9) by R. Austin Freeman (1862-1943)-p286 Superintendant Miller Rises to the Occasion 06

Illustration by H.M. Brock (1875-1960) for John Thorndyke's cases (1908-9) by R. Austin Freeman (1862-1943)-p286 Superintendant Miller Rises to the Occasion 02

Dr. Thorndyke is a fictional detective created by British author R. Austin Freeman. Dr. John Evelyn Thorndyke is a medico-legal forensic investigator, often considered one of the earliest examples of a scientific detective in literature. He first appeared in the novel The Red Thumb Mark published in 1907.

Character Overview

Dr. Thorndyke is a physician and a barrister, combining his medical knowledge with legal expertise to solve complex cases. He is known for his meticulous and scientific approach to crime-solving, often employing cutting-edge forensic techniques. His character is often compared to Sherlock Holmes, created by Arthur Conan Doyle, due to his logical and methodical methods.

Creation and Development

R. Austin Freeman created Dr. Thorndyke as a response to the popular detective fiction of the time. Freeman's background in medicine and law significantly influenced the character's development. Dr. Thorndyke's cases often involve detailed scientific analysis, reflecting Freeman's own interests and expertise.

Notable Works

Dr. Thorndyke appears in numerous novels and short stories. Some of the most notable works include:

• The Red Thumb Mark (1907)
• The Eye of Osiris (1911)
• The Mystery of 31 New Inn (1912)
• A Silent Witness (1914)
• The Cat's Eye (1923)

Forensic Techniques

Dr. Thorndyke is renowned for his use of forensic science. He employs various techniques such as fingerprint analysis, bloodstain pattern analysis, and the examination of trace evidence. His methods were innovative for the time and have influenced the portrayal of forensic science in detective fiction.

Influence and Legacy

Dr. Thorndyke's character has had a lasting impact on the detective genre. His scientific approach to crime-solving paved the way for future fictional detectives who rely on forensic science. The character has been referenced in various works and remains a significant figure in the history of detective fiction.

Related Pages

• R. Austin Freeman
• Sherlock Holmes
• Forensic science
• Detective fiction
• Arthur Conan Doyle