[graeme]

I think there are two different kinds of facts:

1. Random facts that have no obvious connection to what you're working on. 2. Facts that come in use frequently, and form the basis of expertise.

I expect there were many facts that Einstein did have memorized, even though he could look them up.

Holmes is surely an exaggeration, but in many domains expertise is simply mastery of basic elements.

Understanding many little pieces lets you see the whole more clearly than someone who is missing parts. Experts have enhanced intuition.

This is a distinct type of knowledge from the depth of the pacific ocean. That kind of knowledge will not improve intuition if memorized.