Full Idea
Sherlock Holmes does not exist, but he is self-identical (he is certainly not indentical to Dr Watson).
Gist of Idea
Sherlock Holmes does not exist, but he is self-identical
Source
Colin McGinn (Logical Properties [2000], Ch.1)
Book Reference
McGinn,Colin: 'Logical Properties' [OUP 2003], p.10
A Reaction
Most significant. Identity does not entail existence; identity is necessary for existence (I think) but not sufficient. But the notion of existence might be prior to the notion of identity, and the creation of Holmes be parasitic on real existence.