Embark on an extraordinary journey into the past and discover the amazing life stories of Blanche Dumas and Myrtle Corbin. These fascinating women, who gained fame in the 19th and 20th centuries due to their unique physical characteristics, will leave you in awe.
And as a grand finale, you’ll encounter the incredible tale of Ashley Braistle, a woman with four legs – a sight you’ve surely never seen before, along with many other astonishing conditions. Dive into this captivating world of the extraordinary and let these unique stories inspire you.
The woman with dipygus
Blanche Dumas, born with dipygus in the 19th century, both fascinated and perplexed the society of her time with her unique physical features. She possessed two fully functional vaginas, four breasts, and three legs. These extraordinary characteristics piqued the interest of people in her era and continue to pique curiosity to this day.
Her life is a captivating example of how humanity grapples with the unusual and how the acceptance of differences has evolved over time. Blanche Dumas remains a lasting icon of diversity
The origin of Blanche Dumas
Blanche Dumas, born on the Caribbean island of Martinique, became a public attraction from a young age. People had never seen anything like it before, and they were completely taken aback and curious about her unusual appearance.
A ‘Freak-Hunter’ named Bechlinger from Brazil discovered her and presumably introduced her to the world of freak shows and circus sideshows. However, her story remained largely undocumented. Nevertheless, the fascination surrounding her endures to this day.
The lack of records
The scarcity of records poses a challenge in piecing together the specifics of her early life. However, what stands evident is that she swiftly became a sensation, capturing the public’s attention owing to her extraordinary physical attributes. Her arrival on the scene marked a profound moment in history, as people had never encountered someone with such distinctive characteristics, prompting intense curiosity and fascination.
Blanche Dumas’ life not only raises questions about the acceptance of differences but also about the ethics of freak shows and how society treats individuals considered ‘deviant.’ Her story serves as a thought-provoking exploration of these complex issues that continue to resonate today.
The medical description of Blanche Dumas
Blanche Dumas’ ‘modified duplication’ of her lower body fascinated the medical community. Her broad pelvis, three legs, and two fully developed vaginas made her a unique case.
The comprehensive documentation of these remarkable physical features can be found in the medical publication ‘Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine.’ This detailed account not only shed light on the intricacies of her condition but also contributed to the broader understanding of medical anomalies during that era.
A major sensation
Her case was not only of significant interest for the time, but it continues to raise questions about human anatomy and development even today.
Blanche Dumas serves as an example of the diversity and uniqueness of the human body, challenging us to rethink our notions of ‘normalcy.’ Similarly, Myrtle Corbin was a sensation, and her physical features are even more astonishing than those of Blanche Dumas. More about this on the following pages.
Myrtle Corbin
Myrtle Corbin, who gained fame as the ‘Four-Legged Girl,’ was born in the 19th century with a condition known as dipygus. Her exceptional anomaly not only marked her as distinct but also catapulted her to celebrity status.
The story of Myrtle Corbin is closely intertwined with that of Blanche Dumas, as both women performed in freak shows and circuses at the same time, showcasing their extraordinary physical features
Exceptional
Her anomaly was meticulously recorded in medical archives due to its status as a singular and captivating medical phenomenon. It garnered significant attention from the medical community and beyond, serving as a subject of intrigue and fascination for researchers and the general public alike.
These stories not only raise ethical questions about the exploitation of individuals with unusual bodies but also inspire us to appreciate the diversity of the human experience and challenge prejudices towards the extraordinary.
A medical sensation
Myrtle Corbin was a medical sensation much like Blanche Dumas in the 19th century. Both captivated and perplexed the society of their time with their unique physical characteristics.
However, unlike Blanche Dumas, Myrtle Corbin did not possess two fully functional vaginas, four breasts, and three legs. Instead, she garnered significant attention for a different physical anomaly. More about that on the following pages.
Myrtle Corbin’s anomaly
Myrtle Corbin was born with two fully functional pelvises and four lower limbs. Due to her two fully functional pelvises and four legs, she underwent extensive study and documentation.
Medical professionals endeavored to comprehend the precise nature of her anomaly and investigate its functionality. This entailed numerous examinations, which were undoubtedly uncomfortable for the individuals involved. Being distinctly different from the norm was certainly not an easy experience for both Myrtle and others who shared a similar condition
The era of the freak show
Myrtle Corbin became a medical curiosity and a celebrity in the world of freak shows and circuses, where she showcased her unique physical features, captivating and bewildering audiences alike.
Blanche Dumas also exhibited her unique physical features. Both of them were among the most intriguing and astonishing individuals of the 19th century. Many people couldn’t resist attending their shows and went to great lengths to witness this extraordinary curiosity.
A fascinating era
Blanche Dumas and Myrtle Corbin were extraordinary women who showcased their unique physical features in freak shows and circuses. This era captivated the audience, but the shows often had a voyeuristic and erotic undertone.
The boundaries between admiration, curiosity, and voyeurism blurred, and the performers were both admired and regarded as curiosities. How people dealt with this complex dynamic will be explored further in the following pages.
The meaning of normality and beauty
The society’s fascination with the unusual and the aberrant becomes evident in the stories of Blanche Dumas and Myrtle Corbin.
These women were admired for their unique physical features while simultaneously being regarded as curiosities. This ambivalence raises important questions about the meaning of normality and beauty.
What does it mean to be ‘normal’?
What does it mean to be ‘normal,’ and how do we embrace diversity? These stories remind us that beauty and normality can be interpreted in diverse ways and that the diversity of human experience should be celebrated rather than stigmatized.
Presenting women as attractions in shows was immoral and should have been banned. People did not treat them as equals and demeaned them.
Another case
At first glance, one might not think that this beautiful woman is a fascination. However, she also possesses an astonishing anomaly that leaves humanity in awe.
If you search the internet for pictures of Myrtle Corbin, you might come across some photos of Ashley Braistle. She is the woman shown above and has caused a media sensation.
Despite being different, she found happiness
The pictures shown below are from her wedding in July 1994 when she married a plumber named Wayne from Houston. Their love story began after Ashley stated in a newspaper interview that she was looking for a ‘easy-going and sensitive guy.
Both were very happy, but unfortunately, their happiness didn’t last long. What happened to her and what anomaly did she struggle with? You can read more about her tragic story on the following pages.
Her anomaly
Ashley Braistle’s possession of four legs made her an instant sensation, capturing the fascination of the public and media alike. Her unique condition piqued the curiosity of many, leading to a flurry of newspaper articles and media coverage that sought to shed light on her extraordinary life and challenges.
She received numerous requests for interviews, with every news agency eager to speak with her and be the first to publish an article about her. There was no other topic dominating the media at the time. Sadly, she met a tragic end, which is why her happiness in love did not last long. You can learn more about this on the following pages.
Her tragic death
The newspaper had gained notoriety for its penchant for unconventional narratives and attention-grabbing headlines, frequently serving as a source of lighthearted amusement for its readers. These stories were often crafted with a blend of curiosity and sensationalism, capturing the public’s imagination and fueling their appetite for the extraordinary and unusual.
In a world filled with real and often disconcerting news, the Weekly World News provided a welcome distraction from reality. Unfortunately, Ashley’s life came to a tragic end on May 11, 1996, in a skiing accident when she collided with a tree.
Was it all a trick?
It’s all a ruse! The touching tale of Ashley is, in fact, a clever deception, reminiscent of the tactics employed by circus entertainers in the previous century. This fabricated narrative serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the allure of the extraordinary in capturing our imaginations, even when reality tells a different tale.
This photographic hoax originates from another peculiar ‘attraction,’ namely the Weekly World News, a supermarket tabloid renowned for publishing evidently fabricated news stories with humorous and imaginative headlines. On the next page, you can find the article about Ashley.
More special cases of other individuals
In addition to these women, there are many other remarkable individuals with a variety of astonishing anomalies that we will introduce you to on the following pages. Believe us, these cases are even more fascinating than the ones we’ve shown so far.
Caution: Content may contain disturbing elements and is not suitable for those with a weak disposition. Prepare to be captivated as we delve deeper into the realm of astonishing human anomalies, where the extraordinary knows no bounds.
Chinese fingernails
To showcase their high social status, members of the Chinese aristocracy often cultivated exceptionally long fingernails. This practice bears some resemblance to foot binding and may suggest that they did not require their hands for everyday work.
If you wish to explore more unusual exhibits from the Mütter Museum, including some that have been hidden from the public until now, be sure to check out the book ‘Mütter Museum: Historical Medical Photographs’ on Amazon.com!
Giant
Here you see the impressive skeleton of John Aasen (1890-1938), a man who performed as a circus freak in the world of the circus. Standing at an astounding height of 214 cm, John Aasen was not only a captivating presence in the circus but also in Hollywood films. His extraordinary stature made him a sought-after figure for movie roles that equally captivated and astonished audiences.
John Aasen serves as a vibrant example of the diversity of human experiences and how individuality is admired and celebrated in various forms of entertainment. His legacy lives on, and his skeleton tells the story of a man who enchanted the world with his uniqueness and talent.
Triple Amputee
The photo depicts an extraordinary man at the age of thirty-two who conquered an unprecedented challenge in his life. His legs and one arm were crushed in a tragic incident involving a railway car carrying construction materials. As a result of these dreadful injuries, he was compelled to undergo the amputation of all three limbs.
This courageous step made him the second person in the United States to undergo a successful triple amputation. His life and story serve as an inspiring example of human resilience and the ability to redefine oneself even in the most challenging times. This man reminds us that human strength and the will to overcome obstacles know no bounds.
Widows Sunday
Here you see an impressive wax model of Madame Dimanche, also known as Widow Sunday, who lived with an astonishing 9.8-inch horn on her head. This unusual anomaly developed over six years until it reached this extraordinary length. However, the most fascinating part of her story is the successful removal of this horn by a renowned French surgeon.
Madame Dimanche symbolizes the remarkable capability of medical science to tackle even the rarest and most unusual medical phenomena. Her life and the removal of this horn serve as a vivid example of human curiosity and the belief in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. Her story reminds us that the boundaries of medical possibilities are constantly expanding.
The deformed feet
The deformed feet you see above are the result of a congenital defect that can occur in both the feet and hands. These striking deformities have often been attributed to genetic causes such as ‘germs or sperm.’ Such congenital anomalies serve as a profound example of the diverse challenges that people can face.
Medical research into birth defects and genetic causes has made significant progress over time, and today, many of these challenges can be better understood and treated. Nevertheless, images like these serve as a reminder of the importance of promoting understanding and support for individuals with congenital anomalies, allowing them to lead lives of dignity and respect.
Blanche Dumas
Longtime readers may already be familiar with the name Blanche Dumas. She is known for her extraordinary relationship with Juan Baptista Dos Santos, a man with three legs and two penises, which, given her own physical peculiarities (three legs, two vaginas, and four breasts), seems quite unusual.
Interestingly, in this post, we are unveiling for the first time a photo of Blanche Dumas from behind. What can the past tell us? This is the question posed by author Kathleen Sands as she envisions the lives and stories that have come to life in her captivating fictional work, ‘Boy of Bone: Twelve Stories Inspired by the Mütter Museum,’ available on Amazon.com.
Large bust size
This remarkable woman endured the misfortune of bilateral hypertrophy of her breasts, a rare and challenging condition. However, astonishingly, she survived a groundbreaking surgery that removed both breasts. The subsequent details are as impressive as they are shocking: the left breast weighed seventeen pounds after removal, while the right one tipped the scales at an incredible forty-three pounds.
This story not only underscores the challenges people can face but also highlights the incredible advancements in medical surgery. Such extraordinary cases teach us that human determination and the capabilities of medicine can often lead us beyond seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Elefantiasis
A man suffering from the painful effects of elephantiasis was so scarred by his ordeal that he longed for the amputation of his affected limbs.
Instead, he opted for a risky experimental operation to remove a significant amount of excess tissue to improve his quality of life.
Unfortunately, the outcome of these interventions was not successful and the man died five months after the surgical attempt.This tragic story illustrates the desperate efforts to deal with extreme health challenges and reminds us of the complexity and risk of medical interventions that do not always bring the desired success.
Neurofibromatose
This man was affected by Von Recklinhausen’s disease, also known as neurofibromatosis. This is a genetic disorder in which tumors form from the nerves. If a parent has this disease, there is a 50 percent chance that it will be passed on to their offspring.
This genetic condition often manifests itself in the form of tumor formation on the neural pathways and can have a serious impact on quality of life.
It is an example of the challenges posed by genetic disorders and highlights the importance of genetic counseling and research to better understand and treat such conditions.
Cyclopia
Cyclopia is a rare congenital malformation in which the body is unable to properly separate the two eye sockets so that they fuse into a single unit. The majority of babies affected by this condition are stillborn, and even if they survive, their lifespan is usually only a few hours.
This is an extremely challenging and tragic health disorder, often associated with intensive medical research and support due to its rarity and severity. It highlights the complexity of human development and the importance of preventative medical care during pregnancy.
Conclusion
In summary, there is some positive news: Nowadays, medical advancements allow for the surgical correction of caudal duplications in specific cases, in stark contrast to the times when measures like using cement were taken to protect individuals like Josephine Myrtle Corbin Bicknell from potential grave robbing. These surgical interventions offer hope and enhance the quality of life for those born with such rare conditions.
This is evidence of our advancing understanding of medicine and the ongoing efforts to enhance the lives of people with unique anatomical features. As we reflect on the captivating stories of Blanche Dumas and Myrtle Corbin, we can also celebrate the progress achieved in the field of medical science.
