《福尔摩斯探案集·蓝宝石案》第6节
“My dear Holmes!” “He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect,” he continued, disregarding my remonstrance. “He is a man who leads a sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid on in his house.” “You are certainly joking, Holmes.” “Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?” “I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that this man was intellectual?” For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. “It is a question of cubic capacity,” said he; “a man with so large a brain must have something in it.” “The decline of his fortunes, then?” “This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world.”
注释摘要
这一段是整场帽子推理的戏法与揭秘。华生刚听完福尔摩斯宣称帽子主人已经失去妻子的爱，忍不住喊出一声”My dear Holmes!”，这是标准的华生式惊叹——震惊、怀疑、又有些哭笑不得。福尔摩斯不理他的抗议，继续列出更多推断：此人久坐少动、极少出门、身体完全疏于锻炼、中年、头发花白、近几日刚理过发，还涂抹了柠檬霜。最后他补了一句似乎极不搭界的结论：这人家里极…