Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1868-08-07
Little Men and Women.

Notwithstanding the efforts that have
been made by philosophers and physiolo-
giSts TO discover why some persons stop
growing in childhood, and arrive at mature
years children in stature, if not in intellect,
the cause still remains a secret, though the
mental condition Of the mother, improper
nursing and infantile, diseasesareb believed to
exert an influence in the matter. These
stunted people. or dwa1fs, have existed in
oil ages, and among all people, and have
ever been objects OF curiosity. In remote
times, their sole purpose in life seemed to
be to furnish amusement for the titled and
wealthy The Romans, says writer in the
Victoria Magazine, were fond of having
pignies about their persons and house
holds. and SO general was the demand for
these little creatures, that it became trade
to produce them. the ordinary practice be-
ing to confine the limbs of children with
bandages, and thus prevent their growth.
Roman dwarfs generally went unclothed,
or nearly so, and were decked with costly
iewelry. Several of the Caesars showed a
ridiculous partially for pigmies. Dimitian
formed troop of pigmy gladiators.
Augustus patronized dwarf OF
good family who weighed but IL pounds,
and caused statue to be made of him, the
eyes of which were formed of jewels. In
almost all countries dwarfs have enjoyed
the favor and protection of the great. The
Egyptians and Turks kept them, and in
the conquest of Mexico the Spaniards
found several in Montezuma's palace.
Numerous European monarchs have ex-
hibited a strong partiality for them.
Dwarfs are sometimes endowed with a
high degree of intelligence, but generally
their intellectual faculties are weak
Among the female dwarfs who have at
tracted wide public attention is mentioned
a Miss Grachimi, Sicilian dwarf, who was
exhibited in London half a century ago,
and was then 10 years of age Her hight
was 19a inches, the length of her foot 50
inches, the length of her forefnger Ii
inches, her waist ia inches in circumfer-
ence, her head 12s inches, wrist q inches,
and her ankle 81 inches. Her proportions
were tiny, yet elegant. She enjoyed re-
markably good health, was full of animal
spirits, fond of wine, mtsic and gay clothes,
and displayed an intelligence far be-
yond her age. For doctors she displayed
a not unnatural aversion, as they fire.
quently displeased her by making minute
examinations When one was announced
she doubled up her Gilbert of fist" and
glowed with Indignation. "A tolerable
sized doll" says a contemporary writer,
'actlng and speaking, would not astonlsh
us so much-for nature Is, in this instance,
far more wonderful than art would be-
Only imagine creature about half as large
as newly born infant, perfect in all parts
and lineaments, uttering words in strange
and unearthly voice, understanding what
you say, and replying to your questions !"
In 1916, Nanetta Stocker, charming lit
tie Austrian lady, "a inches high, was ex-
.hibited in London. She performed skill
fully on the piano, and was generally ac-
companied by another dwarf who played
on the violin. She died at the age of 49,
Miss Shaw, who was described as s'the
beautiful fairy, was exhibited in England
in 1841, with her brother, also a dwarf :
She was then Al years of age and 80 inche:
high. Both were well proportional, Of
pleasing countenance, and possessed O.
several accomplishments. Elsphet Wat
son, who attained the extraordinary age o
IFS, was 80 inches high. She was born a
Perth, where she died in 1900.