The Parasite

Although Arthur Conan Doyle is best known for his stories about the detective Sherlock Holmes, he was a prolific writer whose other works include science fiction stories, historical novels, plays, romances, poetry, and non-fiction. The Parasite was an 1894 novelette about Austin Gilroy who studied physiology and knows a professor who studies the occult. The young man is introduced to a middle-aged woman known as Miss Penclosa, who has a crippled leg and psychic powers. Gilroy begins to visit this psychic and look at the physical part of her powers. Miss Penclosa falls in love with the unfortunate Gilroy. When she uses her powers on him, Gilroy is angered and rejects her. She in turn begins to play tricks on Gilroy. The cruel tricks end with him in his fiancé Agatha's room carrying a small bottle of poison. What will he find when he rushes back to Miss Penclosa's house?

Arthur Conan Doyle was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1859 and went on to become a renowned author, physician, and political activist. Though initially focusing on his medical career, Doyle found fame with his creation of Sherlock Holmes, a character that would become a cultural icon. Holmes's brilliant deductive reasoning and unconventional methods in solving mysteries captured the imagination of readers worldwide.Doyle's writing career was not limited to the Holmes stories. He also wrote historical novels, plays, and works of non-fiction, often exploring themes of spirituality and the supernatural. Despite his success, Doyle struggled with the overwhelming popularity of Holmes, which he once attempted to leave behind in favor of other literary pursuits.In addition to his literary career, Doyle was involved in various political and social issues, advocating for justice and serving as a public speaker. His belief in spiritualism led him to become a vocal supporter of its causes, although it was often a source of controversy. Arthur Conan Doyle passed away in 1930, leaving behind a legacy that has influenced countless works of fiction and continues to captivate audiences today.