The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction - Volume 14, No. 401, November 28, 1829 by Various
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each other, they are said to be much attached. They appear to be
excellent physiognomists, for they read the countenance of the visiter readily, and are easily affronted with any contemptuous expressions. It is said they have not learnt any manual art beyond rowing a boat, but they can run and jump, and climb cracks and rigging with great facility. They are dressed in short, loose, green jackets and trousers, the costume of their country, which is very convenient, and allows the utmost freedom of motion, but does not show the form of the boys to advantage. With their arms twined round each other, as they bend down or move about, they look like a group of statuary. Dr. Warren, in his report, states that he _never heard them speak to each other_, though they were very fond of talking with a young Siamese, who was brought with them as a companion. They, however, appear to have a means of communication more rapid than by words. The point most worthy of remark, in regard to their actions and movements, is, that they seem, generally speaking, to be actuated but by one will; and that from whichever of them the volition of the moment proceeds, it seems imperative upon both. Occasionally, there is an exception to this remark--as, on the voyage from Siam to the United States, when one wanted to bathe, and the other refused, on account of the coldness of the weather, they quarrelled on the subject. Each has a name of his own--the one, _Chang_, and the other, _Eng_; but, when persons wish to address them as one--to claim their attention to anything, for example, or to call them--they are addressed as--_Chang Eng_. The union of twins is not an unusual occurrence, and various anatomical collections present many such objects. Ambrose Paré relates several instances. Dr. Warren is, however, of opinion, that the |
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