Biographical sketch of Millie Christine, the Carolina Twin : $b Surnamed the Two-headed Nightingale and the Eighth Wonder of the World — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
Biographical sketch of Millie Christine, the Carolina Twin : $b Surnamed the Two-headed Nightingale and the Eighth Wonder of the World
John Stuart Mill · en
It was then stated that this remarkable freak of nature was united at
the lateral posterior portion of the pelvis, while above that point
they were separated--had separate chests, two pairs of fully developed
arms, but only one trunk.
The double-headed possessed separate intellectual faculties as
entirely distinct as was the brain power of two different individuals,
while their faces indicated, to a remarkable degree, intelligence of a
high order and amiability. The lower portion of the body had inclined
outwards from each side, and the lower limbs were inferior, and not so
fully developed as the arms.
A series of experiments was then made under the direction of
Professors Pancoast, Atlee, Maury, and others, calculated to
demonstrate the construction of the nervous system, which showed
that while above the junction the sense of feeling was separate and
distinct in each, below the union it was in common. A touch upon the
foot of one would be instantly detected by the other, while a hand
placed upon either shoulder was only noticed by the one touched.
The pulse of Millie was found to be about four beats slower than that
of Christine, while the beat of the two hearts was nearly the same.
An impromptu performance was given at the clinic in order to show
the agility of the girl, and, to the astonishment of the audience,
dances were executed, conversations carried on between the two heads,
and conversations with two different persons at one and the same
time. They stood upon their outer limbs, walked about with a pleasing
undulating motion, and Christine lifted the other by the ligature
at the pelvis merely by inclining her body to one side. To cap the
climax, a duet was executed by the girl, displaying musical knowledge,
culture, perfect time and tune, one head taking the soprano and the
other the alto; and then, in order to show the sympathetic nature of
their voices, “Sweet Spirit, Hear my Prayer,” was given in admirable
style.
Some of the leading statesmen in Washington manifested great interest
in the case, and two of the most eminent physicians in the city
wore afforded an opportunity to make an examination. Respecting it,
the _Washington Republican_ says: “The examination by Dr. Bliss and
Dr. Borland was most satisfactory, and revealed the fact that the
representations made by the young lady’s guardians are entirely
correct, the girl being but of one body, with two heads, four arms,
four feet, two sets of lungs, two hearts, but only one physical
organization. The doctors express themselves as entirely satisfied that
the young lady is the most wonderful human being on the face of the
earth.”