Chang and Eng the Siamese twins, as old men. Aquatint.

Chang and Eng Bunker. Oil painting by Edouard-Henri-Théophile Pingret, 1836.

[Illustrated leaflet advertising appearances by "Siamese youths, united brothers", Chang and Eng, at 15 Poultry, London in their 19th year].

[Newspaper clipping (from the Illustrated Times, 3 October 1868) about 'Dr. Nelaton and the Siamese Twins' Chang and Eng].

Chang and Eng, the Siamese twins, in evening dress. Colour wood engraving by H.S. Miller.

[Newspaper clipping (1874?) featuring an illustration of 'The Siamese Twins' Chang and Eng and the report of their death with an obituary].

[Undated engraving of "I Gemelli Siamesi" (probably Chang and Eng Bunker), siamese twins, joined at the breast bone, playing badminton before a very serious looking audience. It is numbered Fig. 44 and Tav[ola] 13. Possibly 1840-1860].

Wellington and Peel compared with the Siamese twins (above); a rich bishop and a poor parson; and a street vendor of figurines. Etching by W. Heath, 1830.

Chang and Eng the Siamese twins, one holding a book. Lithograph.

concept

Shop

Galleries and Reading Room

Library

Café

We’re undertaking research with website visitors to find out some more about you and what you thought about your visit. This survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete. Thank you for your time!

What brought you to our website today?

Historical and biographical account of Eng and Chang Bunker, whose condition and birthplace became the basis for the term Siamese twins.

13, 391 pages : illustrations (some colour), portraits ; 22 cm

̄Fæt Sayām ʻIn-Čhan khon khū sū chīwit / [Wilāt Niransuksiri].

Medical Heritage Library

Report of an autopsy on the bodies of Chang and Eng Bunker, commonly known as the Siamese twins / by Harrison Allen.

16 pages, 1 unnumbered leaf of plates : 1 portrait ; 23 cm

An historical account of the Siamese twin brothers, from actual observations.

For sitter see: C.J.S. Thompson, 'The mystery and lore of monsters', London 1930; L. Fiedler, 'Freaks', New York 1978; G.M. Gould and W. Pyle, 'Anomalies and curiosities of medicine', Philadelphia 1896, pp. 151-154
These conjoined-twins are the original Siamese twins, from whom the name derives. Born at Maklong near Bankok in Siam in about May 1811, of Chinese extraction; they were taken to America and then England in 1829, where they were exhibited causing great excitement. They were placed under the medical charge of G.B. Bolton, M.R.C.S., who made extensive observations along with others at the time. After visiting the principal cities in Europe they returned to America to settle as farmers in North Carolina, adopting the name of Bunker and marrying two sisters who bore each of them many healthy children. In 1869 they made another tour through Europe and took advice from eminent surgeons of Britain and France on the feasibility of being separated, with no ultimate conclusion. After having returned to their dual families (which they kept in separate houses) Chang developed bronchitis, which led to their death in mid-January 1874.

1 print : lithograph ; image 17.4 x 15.3 cm

Chang and Eng the Siamese twins, in an oriental setting. Lithograph, 1830.

1 print : line engraving and etching, with watercolour ; image 11.5 x 9.7 cm

Chang and Eng the Siamese twins, aged eighteen, with badminton rackets. Coloured engraving by JLB, 1829.

16 pages, 1 leaf : illustrations, portrait ; 22 cm

Wellcome uses cookies.

Bunker, Eng, 1811-1874

Images

Works

̄Fæt Sayām ʻIn-Čhan khon khū sū chīwit / [Wilāt Niransuksiri].

Report of an autopsy on the bodies of Chang and Eng Bunker, commonly known as the Siamese twins / by Harrison Allen.

An historical account of the Siamese twin brothers, from actual observations.

Chang and Eng the Siamese twins, in an oriental setting. Lithograph, 1830.

Chang and Eng the Siamese twins, aged eighteen, with badminton rackets. Coloured engraving by JLB, 1829.

Today’s opening times

Wellcome uses cookies.

Bunker, Eng, 1811-1874

Images

Works

̄Fæt Sayām ʻIn-Čhan khon khū sū chīwit / [Wilāt Niransuksiri].

Report of an autopsy on the bodies of Chang and Eng Bunker, commonly known as the Siamese twins / by Harrison Allen.

An historical account of the Siamese twin brothers, from actual observations.

Chang and Eng the Siamese twins, in an oriental setting. Lithograph, 1830.

Chang and Eng the Siamese twins, aged eighteen, with badminton rackets. Coloured engraving by JLB, 1829.

Wellcome Collection

Today’s opening times