The Republican journal., 1870-12-29
THE SlAMESE TWINS.

The fact that Chang, one of the Siamest
twins, had been paralyzcd was some time
ago reported by the press; and as the singu
lar union Of these brothers, who are oineC
together by hollow cartaliglnous band O
|ligature, has been the cause of such specula
ition and theorizing by eminent medical mer
in this country and Europe, the following de
tails, witch were given to representative o.
The Sun yesterday by a gentleman who re-
Gently met them at their home, will be Of
special interest to those who have Il taste fol
the investigation Of physical phenomenal
Chang and Eng visited Europe in Februa-
ry last under an engagement to exhibit them
selves as curiosity They remained abroad
about six months, returning to this country
in the Cunard steamer which arrived here
on the 18th of August. While on the way
over, as they were seated at the table enoao-
ed in game of chess with the Captain of
the ship, Chang was struck with paralysis of
the right side. He'became utterly helpless,
and was obliged to keep in bed for the re-
mainder of the voyage. OF course Eng, al
though not at all affected in his own person
by the unhappy visitation which afflicted his
brother, was obliged to keep the latter COM
pany and also contine himself to his berth.
| On the arrival of the steamer, the twins
spent several days in Taylor's Hotel in JERSEY
City, and Chang improved so much that the
brothers were able to sit up, and finally to 60
to their home in Mt. Airy, Surrey County
North Carolina.
Since their return to North Carolina, Chang
has gained steadily in general health, but his
right leg continues useless. This, however,
does not prevent the twins from going about
and attending to their ordinary avocations.
Those who have seen this curious pair will
recollect that Eng stands on the right on off
side and Chang on the left, and that the in
side arm Of each is usually thrown around
the others back or neck In their present
condition, the way they manage to move
from place to place is this: Chang ties I'D
his right or inside leg in a sling, and with the
support given him by q crutch under the left
shoulder, and the aid Of his brothers arm.
finds no difficulty in making his way around
the plantation as easily as ever
The most singular thing about this extra
ordinary case is the fact that during the whole
OF Changes severe and dangerous illness Eng
has been in unusually good health and spir-
its, not excepting the time during which he
was confined to his brothers sick bed. lie
has no wish to be disunited from Chang.
even if he could, be convinced that the oper-
alton would be free from Inconvenience or
danger; and son recently remarked to a
friend that he did not believe that his father
would ever consent to 4 separation should
Chang die first.
Distinguished medical authorities have diff
fered in regard to the practicability Of separ-
ating the twins by surgical operation,
though the general opinion has been that it
might be accomplished with safety. Some
have supposed that the fact that the brothers
have but a single umbilicus, which is situat-
ed in the middle Of the ligaturc that unitcs
them, indicates a conversion in the circula-
ton of the blood through the two bodies.
which would render an operation dangerous;
but the circumstances attending Changes i'll
ness seem to dispose of this objection.
One peculiar Inconvenience has resulted
from Changes misfortune. Chang and Eng,
both OF whom have considerable families.
keep up distinct domestic establishments,
and their houses are separated by distance
Of three-fourths of mile. Between the two
residences flows rapid creek which they
cross by means of a foot bridge, consisting
Of single log, squared and hewed Over
this narrow pathway the two could cross
with ease while they We're both well, but in
Changes present condition they find ii imros-
sible to accomplish the passage As they are
men of no little force Of character. however,
it is altogether probable that by this time
they have found means to obviate 50 vexa-
tious difficulty. New York Sun