image creditChang and Eng (1811-1874) were conjoined twin brothers whose condition and birthplace became the basis for the term 'Siamese twins.' In the last years of their life, with the knowledge that it might reach an end soon, the two became almost obsessed by the idea of a possible separation, dreading the moment when one would have to carry on with his brother's corpse at his side.
Tied up for life, Chang and Eng desired their own deaths. Separately. Sadly, the physician’s answers carried no hopes, as they all advised against severing their cartilaginous link. The procedure would likely result in a tremendous loss of blood and kill them both. On January 17, 1874, Chang left our world first, then Eng did too, three hours later.
(via Neatorama)
