File:Microcephalus C.jpg

Profound excitable idiots. Heads, microbrachycephalic. 

J. — Height 3 feet, 6}^ inches; weight 36 pounds. 

Head Measurements. inches. 

Circumference i6j^ 

Naso-occipital arc io'4 

Binauricular arc gi/g, 

Antero-posterior diameter sli 

Greatest transverse diameter 4 

Binauricular diameter 314 

Facial length, 5^ 

Cephalic index yy

These children resemble each other so closely that it is almost

impossible to distinguish one from the other, except that J. has a 
supernumerary thumb on right hand. Alveolar arches are wider 
than normal, and the palate is almost flat in both cases. 

Both have light hair and blue eyes, and are absolute mutes. When 
pleased they give frequent bird-like cries, consisting of one shrill pro- 
longed note repeated at intervals. They are healthy, active little fel- 
lows, docile, affectionate, recognizing readily their playmates and 
those in daily attendance upon them. Destructive, but not more so 
than are many nervously active babies of two years, which is about 
their stage of development, being quite as incapable of self-protection 
or self-help. Habits unclean ; sialorrhcea marked. They are restless 
and climb with the agility of cats, though muscular incoordination is 
noticed in the shuffling, dragging uncertain gait. Powers of atten- 
tion and imitation poor, but curiosity excessive, and temper quick. 
In these cases there is not the slightest hope of improvement. 

Father, a cabinet-maker by trade, is a pronounced dipsomaniac, 
subject to severe attacks of headache ; was 42, and mother 34, at time 
of twins' birth. Born at full term ; labor ordinary. Conception took 
place while father was in a state of intoxication, and the mother who 
kept a boarding-house, was, during pregnancy, burdened with the 
care of another microcephalic epileptic child. J. and R. were the 
fourth and fifth of a family of five children (all boys) two apparently