128 Account of the Siamese Twins. 



by the knife, and this band cut across at any part, a large 

 opening would be made into the belly of each, that would expose 

 them to enormous hernial protrusions and inflammations, that 

 would certainly prove fatal. 



" We have understood the mother to have noted a very cu- 

 rious fact, worthy the attention of accoucheurs, that, when they 

 were born, the head of one was covered or encased by the 

 lower extremities of the other, and thus they ma^e the easiest 

 possible entrance into the world. 



" They are so perfectly satisfied with their condition, that 

 nothing renders them so unhappy as the fear of a separation by 

 any surgical operation ; the very mention of it causes immediate 

 weeping. 



" Inded, there is good reason for this uneasiness; for, as 

 stated above, according to our judgment, there would be the 

 most extreme hazard in any such attempt, and even after cut 

 asunder, they would experience much diminution of enjoyment. 

 But it has been urged by many that they ought to be discon- 

 nected. We think such an opinion is incorrect. It cannot, 

 consistent with our principles and usages, be done without their 

 consent. To this they are totally opposed ; and, as they are 

 under the protection of a kind and benevolent gentleman, we 

 know he will take good care of them, and if they live, return 

 them to their homes again. 



" As they are so alert and vigorous, we readily coincide, 

 that, ' in ten seconds, they can lay a stout ordinary man on his 

 back.'" 



The following letter on the same subject has been published 

 in the Times by Sir Anthony Carlisle, and dated November 

 24, 1829. 



" The boys were dressed in the garments of their own coun- 

 try, and no parts of their persons exposed save the front aspect 

 of the lining band which connects them together, it being placed 

 immediately below their respective breast-bones. This joining 

 part presents a surface of natural and healthy skin, and to the 

 feel it seems to include an extension from each of the cartilages 

 which terminate the breast-bones. The enti.e band admits four 

 fingers to pass freely behind it, when the boys stand shoulder 

 to shoulder, and its width and thickness allows the thumb to 



