DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.70301#0126
110 eirby’s wonderful museum.
any question put to him. I have put a variety at different
times, and in different shapes, tending to throw all the light
possible on his history, and never found that he varied; so
that I am inclined to believe that he adheres to truth.
6- Under what circumstances did his voracious disposition
first come on ?
It came on at the age of thirteen, as has been already stat-
ed. He was then in the service of Prussia, at the siege of
Thionville: they were at that time much straitened for pro-
vision, and as he found this did not suit him, he deserted into
the town. He was conducted to the French general, who
presented him with a large melon, which he devoured, rind
and all, and then an immense quantity and variety of other
species of food, to the great entertainment of that officer and
his suite. From that time he has preferred raw to dressed
meat; and when he eats a moderate quantity of what has
been either roasted or boiled, he throws it up immediately.
What is stated above, therefore, respecting his never vomit-
ing, is not to be understood literally, but imports merely, that
those things which are most nauseous to others had no effect
upon his stomach.
There is nothing farther to remark, but that since the at-
tested narrative was drawn up, he has repeatedly indulged
himself in the cruel repasts before described, devouring the
whole animal, except the skin, bones, and bowels : but this
has been put a stop to, on account of the scandal which it
justly excited.
In considering this case, it seems to afford some matters
for reflection, which are not only objects of considerable
novelty and curiosity, but interesting and important, by throw-
ing light on the process by which the food is digested and
disposed of.
Monstrosity and disease, whether in the structure of parts,
or in the functions and appetites, illustrate particular points
of the animal economy, by exhibiting them in certain rela*
any question put to him. I have put a variety at different
times, and in different shapes, tending to throw all the light
possible on his history, and never found that he varied; so
that I am inclined to believe that he adheres to truth.
6- Under what circumstances did his voracious disposition
first come on ?
It came on at the age of thirteen, as has been already stat-
ed. He was then in the service of Prussia, at the siege of
Thionville: they were at that time much straitened for pro-
vision, and as he found this did not suit him, he deserted into
the town. He was conducted to the French general, who
presented him with a large melon, which he devoured, rind
and all, and then an immense quantity and variety of other
species of food, to the great entertainment of that officer and
his suite. From that time he has preferred raw to dressed
meat; and when he eats a moderate quantity of what has
been either roasted or boiled, he throws it up immediately.
What is stated above, therefore, respecting his never vomit-
ing, is not to be understood literally, but imports merely, that
those things which are most nauseous to others had no effect
upon his stomach.
There is nothing farther to remark, but that since the at-
tested narrative was drawn up, he has repeatedly indulged
himself in the cruel repasts before described, devouring the
whole animal, except the skin, bones, and bowels : but this
has been put a stop to, on account of the scandal which it
justly excited.
In considering this case, it seems to afford some matters
for reflection, which are not only objects of considerable
novelty and curiosity, but interesting and important, by throw-
ing light on the process by which the food is digested and
disposed of.
Monstrosity and disease, whether in the structure of parts,
or in the functions and appetites, illustrate particular points
of the animal economy, by exhibiting them in certain rela*