The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 14, No. 401, November 28, 1829Various
General
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 14, No. 401, November 28, 1829
Various
Popular literature -- Great Britain -- Periodicals
Dr. Warren next starts a question as to their moral identity, and
says--"There is no reason to doubt that the intellectual operations
of the two are as perfectly distinct as those of any two individuals
who might be accidentally confined together. Whether similarity of
education, and identity of position as to external objects, have
inspired them with any extraordinary sameness of mental action, I am
unable to say--any farther, at least, than that they seem to agree
in their habits and tastes." The concluding observation is on their
separation, which we may remark, appears to be to them a painful
subject; for whenever it is mentioned, they weep bitterly. Dr. Warren
thinks an attempt to cut the cord, or separate them, would be attended
with danger, though not necessarily fatal, and as they are happy in
their present state, he reasonably enough thinks such an operation
uncalled for. "Should one die before the other," adds he, "they should
be cut apart immediately." He, however, quotes a case from Ambrose
Paré, of two girls united by the forehead, one of whom died at ten
years of age, when a separation was made; and the wound of the
surviving girl soon proved fatal.
From the report of Drs. Mitchill and Anderson, we collect their
opinion that the band which joins these boys, has a canal with a
protrusion of viscera from the abdomen of each boy, upon every effort
of coughing or other exercise. The sense of feeling on the skin of
this band is connected with each boy, as far as the middle of its
length from his body. There can be no doubt, but that if the band was
cut across at any part, a large opening would be made into the belly
of each, and the wound prove fatal.
Such are the principal and most popular descriptive details of the
Siamese Youths, with the substance of the reports of the American
physicians who have examined them. Of course, we look with some
anxiety for the opinions of the professional men of our own country.
Of equal importance are the questions connected with the _minds_ of
the two youths, which can only be settled by continued observation.
The phenomenon is altogether of the most attractive character, and
will doubtless receive all the attention it deserves from our
_savans_, as well as from all those who delight in witnessing the
curiosities of Nature.
* * * * *
CURTIUS.
A DRAMATIC SKETCH.
(_For the Mirror_.)
_The Roman Forum.--An opening in the ground. M. Curtius, Soothsayers,
and a vast concourse of Citizens._
_Cit_.--Place ingot upon ingot, till the mass exceed
The bulk of Croesus' wealth, or Sardanapalus' pile.
Let every Roman contribution bring
An offering worthy of his house, since what
Is valued most must in the gulf be cast,
To save us from an overwhelming death.
A richer treasure than the gorgeous Xerxes knew
Will we entomb.
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