1787 Two Headed boy of Bengal by E. Home
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1787 Two Headed boy of Bengal by E. Home
1790 Copperplate Engraving drawn by William Bell and engraved by Basire, of the " Two Headed Boy of Bengal" in paper by Sir Everard Home showing the boy in 1787 shortly before his death, aged 4 (from cobra bite). Home reported that the boy was " a species of lusus naturae so unaccountable, that, I believe, no similar instance is to be found on record". In recent times cases of Craniophagus parasiticus include Rebecca Martinez (Dominican Republic) and Manar ad Islaam Maged (Egypt). Sadly both died after surgery to separate the twin. The Bengal boy was described by Home after his grave was plundered by Mr. Dent, the East India companys representative. From there the skull passed to Sir Everard Home and can still be seen at the Hunterian Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons. The boy of Bengal was nearly killed at birth by a midwife who tried to throw the child into a fire
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6319037
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
18th Century Bengal Birth Defect Conjoined Deformity Everard Home Royal College Of Surgeons Teratology Freak Show Hunterian Museum
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the "1787 Two Headed Boy of Bengal" by E. Home, a remarkable copperplate engraving drawn by William Bell and engraved by Basire. The image depicts the boy in 1787, shortly before his tragic death at the age of four due to a cobra bite. Sir Everard Home, who documented this extraordinary case, described the boy as a unique "lusus naturae" with no similar record found in history. The photograph also sheds light on other instances of Craniophagus parasiticus, such as Rebecca Martinez from the Dominican Republic and Manar ad Islaam Maged from Egypt. Tragically, both individuals lost their lives following surgery to separate them from their parasitic twin. The story takes an intriguing turn when Mr. Dent, representing the East India Company, plundered the boy's grave after his passing. Eventually, Sir Everard Home acquired the skull and it can still be viewed today at London's Hunterian Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons. This print not only serves as an illustration but also delves into various themes including deformity, birth defects (specifically cranipohagus parasiticus), teratology (the study of abnormalities), and conjoined twins. It offers viewers a glimpse into medical history while raising questions about our understanding of human anatomy and what is considered normal or abnormal. Paul D. Stewart's artwork provides us with an opportunity to reflect on these historical events without commercial intent or reference to any specific company involved in its production or distribution.
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