The circumference of their heads did not equal that
of an ordinary infant at birth.
It is known that at one time the ancients artificially produced
dwarfs by giving them an insufficient alimentation when very
young. They soon became rachitic from their deprivation of
lime-salts and a great number perished, but those who survived
were very highly prized by the Roman Emperors for their grotesque
appearance. There were various recipes for dwarfing children. One
of the most efficient in the olden times was said to have been
anointing the backbone with the grease of bats, moles, dormice,
and such animals; it was also said that puppies were dwarfed by
frequently washing the feet and backbone, as the consequent
drying and hardening of the parts were alleged to hinder their
extension. To-day the growth of boys intended to be jockeys is
kept down by excessive sweating.
Ancient Popularity of Dwarfs.--At one time a dwarf was a
necessary appendage of every noble family. The Roman Emperors all
had their dwarfs. Julia, the niece of Augustus, had a couple of
dwarfs, Conopas and Andromeda, each of whom was 2 feet 4 inches
in height. It was the fashion at one time to have dwarfs noted
for their wit and wisdom.
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