The conjoined twins of Löwen

Author: Blickstein, Isaac

Source: Twin Research, Volume 3, Number 4, 1 December 2000 , pp. 185-188(4)

Publisher: Australian Academic Press

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $6.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

This paper discusses an unusual etching of unlike-sex conjoined twinsof the syncephalus type dated 1547. The authenticity of the case is discussedin terms of the biological plausibility of such twins and in the light ofmediaeval understanding of the twinning process. Unlike-sex syncephalictwins may occur as a result of dispermic fertilisation, or be an erroneousdepiction of an asymmetrical anomaly of the external genitalia of a like-sex pair, mimicking the genitals of the other sex. On the other hand, the Löwen etching conforms with mediaeval beliefs that conjoined twins aredivine punishment and therefore were used for ecclesiastical and perhapscommercial purposes. The historical context of the drawing, in which therelation between religion, media, and medicine satisfied the eagerness of thepublic for curios of Nature, is no longer valid. Thus the Löwen etchingopens a window to the past from which modern medicine can be appreciated.

Keywords: conjoined twins; history of medicine

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1375/136905200320565139

Affiliations: 1: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot (affiliated to the Hadassah-Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem), Israel

Publication date: 2000-12-01

More about this publication?