The illustration above didn't come from a science-fiction novel. It's a rather faithful likeness of a woman who went by the name of Madame Dimanche. And the growth in the middle of her forehead? It's a horn. According to medical accounts from the 19th century, the horn first sprouted when Madame Dimanche was seventy-six and grew ten inches before it was finally removed by a Parisian doctor.
Horned humans aren't as rare as one might think, though these days the horns are usually quickly removed. Caused by a host of different conditions, they can pop up almost anywhere on the body. However, most horns are due to a skin disorder known as cornu cutaneum, and are composed of keratin (the same substance responsible for fingernails).
Those interested in the subject should pay a visit to thehumanmarvels.com, where you can read about Wang the Human Unicorn, as well as two recent cases. Warning: The site is not for the faint of heart.
9 comments:
Weird. And poor lady!
Oh my gosh. That is so gross looking! That person was right who said after the cute bird will be something really gross.
That picture is really weird looking. So weird in fact, that I didn't click on the link, no matter how curious I am. I may check it out later, but I'm kind of trying not to. It just seems too weird. :P
I couldn't resist clicking on the link.
I agree with Nellie, that poor lady.
Whoa.
The Human Body is Amazing!
Weird. Is there any way to make the cells form a horn?
That's gross, cool, and weird all at the same time!
Oh my word.
That's medieval times for ya!
that picture on the website is so gross it is not even funny
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