The Adventure of the Dying Detective - Vocabulary

Vocabulary terms and key figures from the text 'The Adventure of the Dying Detective' by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

black Formosa corruption

A fictional disease invented by Conan Doyle

cab

A horse drawn carriage for hire

contagious

(of a disease) spread by one person to another by direct contact

gaunt

Lean and looking unwell, due to age, suffering, or hunger

grudge

A persistent bad feeling towards someone caused by past insult or injury

incessantly

Constantly; without stopping

infallibly

Incapable of failing

listlessly

Lacking enthusiasm and energy

malicious

With intended harm

murmurings

Low or indistinct sounds

place of concealment

Hiding place

resolutely

With determination

spasmodic

Occurring in brief, irregular bursts

Tapanuli fever

A fictional disease invented by Conan Doyle

with your leave

With your permission

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

British writer and physician (1859-1930), most noted for creating the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes

Culverton Smith

A planter and well-known resident of Sumatra, now visiting London, who possesses special knowledge of Eastern diseases

Victor Savage

The nephew of Culverton Smith who was murdered with an Asiatic disease using a spring-loaded ivory box

Inspector Morton

An official from Scotland Yard who arrests Culverton Smith for the murder of Victor Savage

Dr Ainstree

The greatest living authority upon tropical disease, mentioned by Dr Watson