HARRISON ALLEN, M.D.,
PROFESSOR OF COMPARATIVE ANATOMY AND ZOÖLOGY IN THE UNIVERSITY
OF PENNSYLVANIA, SURGEON TO THE PHILADELPHIA HOSPITAL, ETC.
[Read April 1, 1874.]
ANTE-MORTEM HISTORY.
Chang and Eng Bunker were born near Bangkok, Siam, in 1811, their father being a Chinaman, their mother a native of Siam, bred by a Chinese father.[[1]]
The twins were united by a band extending from the junction of the abdominal and thoracic cavities, anteriorly, constituting the variety in teratology known as Omphalopagus xiphodidymus.
They were married in April, 1843, and raised large families; Chang having had ten, and Eng twelve children. Chang had three boys and seven girls; Eng had seven boys and five girls. These were in all respects average children, excepting two, a boy and girl of Chang’s, who were deaf-mutes.
The twins resided in a rolling country, about four miles from Mount Airy, Surrey Co., N. C. They were prosperous farmers, each owning his own farm. The dwellings of the two families were a mile and a half apart. The twins resided three days in each of the homes alternately. They were expert in the handling of tools, in plowing, shingling, shooting, etc. They lived much in the open air, and frequently drove in a carriage to the neighboring village.