Joseph Carey Merrick, famously known as the “Elephant Man” and erroneously as John Merrick, was a unique figure in medical history, born on August 5, 1862, and passed away on April 11, 1890. His life was marked by the struggle with extraordinary skin and bone diseases, which were so rare that they catapulted him into the limelight of traveling sideshows ("circus freak shows"), where he was the star attraction. The potential cause of his condition is believed to be Proteus syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by overgrowth of the bones, skin, and other tissues. Cells affected by Proteus syndrome have an abnormal tendency to grow and divide uncontrollably throughout the person’s life. Merrick’s life, marked by his physical deformities and his indomitable spirit, continues to fascinate medical researchers and the general public alike.
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Joseph Merrick
Best known as the "Elephant Man," Joseph Carey Merrick has been the subject of many medical studies, documentaries and works of fiction. [ Ссылка ]
Elephant Man: Joseph Merrick's grave 'found by author'. [ Ссылка ]
Joseph Merrick. British medical patient. [ Ссылка ]
