Saint Paul weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1858-1859, 1859-04-02
Singular Ossificatton of all the Joints i'm
..:s ....- q Mans BODY.

A most remarkable instance of the oSSif-
cation of all the joints in the body of man,
has come to our knowledge within a few days.
Valentine Perkins, of Mantua, in this county,
is the person who has been thus singularly
afflicted. He resides with his mother, Mrs.
Mary Afford. He was born in Henrietta, On
tario county, N! ", in March, 1918, and is
consequently forty-five years of age His
father was soldier in the war of 1872 and
died in the service, short time before his son
was born.
The condition Of this man is supposed to be
the most extraordinary instance of ossiication
OF the joints ever placed on record, as we are
told by medical friend, intimately acquaint-
ed with the case. With the exception of an
imperfect rnotionof the right shoulder, one
joint of the two first fingers of his right hand
and limited motion of one or two toes, EVERY
joint in his body is completely ossifed, and as
firm and immovable as if one bone constitut-
ed his entire frame. .--1 '-'' -'' l''-.
r Until he was eleven years old he enjoyed
robust health. At that time the family had
removed to Kirkland, Lake county, in this
State. In June Of the year he was eleven,
he was thrown from horse and hurt one
knee, and then going into the river to bathe,
took cold in the injured part, Inflammation en-
sued, and the cartilages and ligaments were
destroyed, and ossihcation ensued. After
this had transpired, the uninjured knee was
attacked with inflammation, aad finally be-
came completely ossifed. The joint after
joint passed through the ordeal, until now he
is in the condition mentioned. ... o.. ......
Isl The same disease commenced at the roots
Of his fng4r4nd toe nails. = The nails Came
oil, and hlew substance resembling nails
grew out, at right angles from his fingers
and toes, fun half an inch. ..,a ..,- T..
His jaws has been set and motionless for
thirty years, and his front teeth have loosen
ed and come, out, forming an aperture through
which he talks and receives his food. His
food is all prepared for him in suitable man
ner, and he always has retained good appe-
tite, though he is not gluttonous.
- Twenty four years since, he became blind
in one eve, and for twenty three years he has
been totally blind All his other senses re-
main as perfect and acute as those of any
person. - 4 Aa''
His limbs remain near the size they were
when he was hurt. His head, neck and body
have attained full size.e His neck is nearly as
large as his head, and measures nineteen inch
es in circumference, while his wrists meas
ure only lOuf anu u llalI lllCileS. I1lS WtlSLlt
is about one hundred pounds.
His body is in semi-reclining position, and
he is not affected by heat or cold as much as
persons ordinarily. He is always cheerful,
and is very fond of talking. His intellectual
powers are fairly developed for one in his
condition, and his memory excellent. 1t said
of him that he can tell the names and ages OF
large proportion of the persons in the town
of Mantua with accuracy. He does not sleep
more than persons in good health, and is no,
troubled with sickness, aside from the disease
which has taken possession of him. He talks
freely of death, and at times entertains diff
ferent opinions upon the suject. He has lived
in Mantua for six years, and has been visited
by large number of medical men in this vi.
cinity. -.., II: Is 49,. .r.9- a-,7-
The statement of this case, though it may
seem somewhat marvellous to the reader
as indeed it did upon being stated to the wri
ter-is yet true in every particular, and liter
ally correct, aswe have the testimony to show
at any time. But it is most remarkable
and extraordinary phenomenon, and without
a parallel, it is undoubtly proper to say
Portage Dstrocrat. .....,-..-. .., o..