What is Professor Moriarty's Field of Study?
When discussing the characters of Dr. John H. Watson's Sherlock Holmes stories, one cannot overlook Professor James Moriarty. Often depicted as a brilliant yet villainous figure, Moriarty's educational background and professional expertise are a recurring topic of interest among fans and scholars. Historically, the author Arthur Conan Doyle did not specify exactly what Moriarty was a professor of, but mathematics is referenced multiple times.
Mathematics and Beyond
It is widely believed that Moriarty's field of study was mathematics. This is based on early Sherlock Holmes stories where it is mentioned that he had written a treatise on the binomial theorem and gained a professorship at a university in England. In the 2011 film adaptation with Rudolph Redddy Jake (RDJ), Moriarty is explicitly portrayed as a mathematics professor, which seems to align with the original work by Doyle.
Among his many subjects, Doyle's stories suggest that Moriarty had a keen interest in criminology and the study of crime. Since his intellect was comparable to Holmes', it is no surprise that their rivalry was long-lasting and intense. The implication is that Moriarty's vast knowledge of mathematics and its applications in criminal behavior allowed him to develop intricate and often lethal plans that put him in conflict with the detective.
Academic Contributions
Additional references to Moriarty's intellectual pursuits can be found in the novel "The Valley of Fear," where his paper on "The Dynamics of an Asteroid" is mentioned. In modern parlance, this work likely falls under celestial mechanics and dynamical systems. Celestial mechanics is a field that deals with the motions of celestial objects, while dynamical systems theory focuses on the evolution of systems over time. Both subjects share fundamental concepts but were distinct in Victorian times.
Interestingly, in some recent adaptations of Sherlock Holmes, a scene in Moriarty's office features a bound copy of his paper on "The Dynamics of an Asteroid," further emphasizing his dedication to his academic work. This detail not only highlights Moriarty's deep expertise in mathematics and related fields but also underscores the impact he had on these areas of study.
Legacy and Impact
Similar to how Sherlock Holmes acted as a consultant and created lasting impacts, Moriarty's work in mathematics served a dual purpose. While he applied his knowledge to criminal activities, his academic contributions still remain relevant to this day. He is often portrayed as a professor who engaged in extensive research, creating something that would outlast his untimely demise.
In the BBC radio drama series of Sherlock Holmes, set in the late 1900s, Jim Moriarty is specifically described as an excellent mathematician who was involved with a local college. This portrayal further cements the impression that Moriarty, despite his nefarious activities, was a highly respected academic figure in his time.
In conclusion, while the specific details of Moriarty's academic field remain somewhat vague, the recurring references to his work in mathematics, criminology, and celestial mechanics/dynamical systems highlight the complexity and depth of his intellectual capabilities. His portrayal as a mathematics professor underscores the significance of his character in the Sherlock Holmes universe, making him not just a criminal mastermind, but also a scholarly figure of note in the Victorian era and beyond.