by Jeff Thomas
International Man
Chang and Eng were the first internationally known “Siamese twins” as a result of their having been exhibited worldwide. Although each had a complete body, they were joined together at the sternum.
In 1870, Chang suffered a stroke and his health deteriorated over the next four years. In 1874, at age 62, he developed bronchitis and died. His brother Eng realised immediately that his continued attachment to his brother meant that he was next. Although he was separated from his twin in an emergency operation, Eng died hours later. He left the problem too long and paid with his life.
Just as with Siamese twins, it’s a risky proposition for one country to have too much dependency on another.