The Liberator

Extraordinary Deformity.—The third number of the Baltimore Medical and Surgical Journal contains an engraving, which represents a singular case of deformity, in a young woman, now twenty years of age, living in Asheville, N. C. She was born completely destitute both of arms and legs, the situation of which is merely indicated by small rounded projections, thus being, in fact, a mere human trunk surmounted by a head. She possesses, however, a remarkable power of locomotion, and can transport herself over the floor with ease, by submitting her body to a kind of rotary motion alternately from right to left, and the contrary. By confining the handle of a broom between her chin and shoulder, she can sweep the floor with considerable dexterity. She can also sit erect, lean back, or rock herself in a chair as well as any other person, and when any thing is given her, she makes a sign for it to be placed on her shoulder. If it be any solid article of food, she eats it from that situation. She is of a full and plump habit, healthy, and possesses a remarkably lively disposition.