thomas hills evertt: the enormous baby

This prodigious child, an extraordinary instance of the sudden and rapid increase of the human body, was born on the 7th of February, 1779. Neither of the parents was remarkable for either size or stature.

At the age of nine months, his dimensions were taken by Mr. Sherwen, and compared with those of a lusty boy seven years old. Mr Sherwen was prevented by the vulgar prejudice entertained by the mother against weighing children. He could therefore only say that, when she exposed to view his legs, thighs, and broad back, it was impossible to be impressed with any other idea than that of seeing a young giant.

His extraordinary size tempted his parents to remove him to the metropolis, and to exhibit him to the public. He was well proportioned all over, and subsisted entirely on the breast. His countenance was comely, but had rather more expression than is usual at his age, and was exceedingly pleasing, from his being uncommonly good-tempered. He had very fine hair, pure skin, free from any blemish, was extremely lively, and had a bright clear eye. His head was rather smaller in proportion than his other parts.

adapted from: the book of wonderful characters (1869).