For many years, human horns have captured public attention with their bizarre occurrences around the world. From elderly individuals in China to men in Mexico, this phenomenon has sparked curiosity and awe among many. In this article, we will explore a brief and rather unpleasant history of human horns, from peculiar cases in the past to modern-day individuals affected by this phenomenon.
Human Horns – A Curious and Astonishing Phenomenon
A long history of human horns has been recorded since ancient times. In literature and medical accounts, we find mentions of individuals with unusual horn-like growths on their bodies. These horns, composed of keratin, the same substance as fingernails, have perplexed doctors and scientists for centuries.
In 2015, Liang Xiuzhen, an 87-year-old woman from Sichuan, China, visited doctors with a five-inch horn growing from the top of her head. What began as a black mole eight years prior had transformed into a sprouting horn after it cracked open in 2013. Despite medical examinations, doctors struggled to diagnose it. Eventually, the horn fell off, only to be replaced by another horn that grew at a much faster rate.
Liang’s case was not an isolated incident. Other elderly individuals from China have made headlines in recent years with their own impressive horn growths. Zhang Ruifang, a 101-year-old grandmother, gained fame in 2010 for having two horns sprouting from her forehead. One horn measured nearly 2 ½ inches, while the second had just begun to grow. Surprisingly, Zhang was reportedly thrilled about her horns and refused offers to have them removed.
In October 2007, 95-year-old Xiou Ling showcased a 6 ½-inch horn that jutted out of her forehead and curled downward over her face. This horn had been growing for four years. Similarly, in November of the same year, 93-year-old Ma Zhong Nan made headlines for the 4-inch horn growing on the top of his head. Initially disregarded, he sought medical help when the horn started causing itchiness.
Historical Accounts of Human Horns
The phenomenon of human horns is not a recent occurrence. In 1930, Robert Ripley introduced the world to Wang, a Manchurian farmer dubbed “The Human Unicorn.” Wang sported a 13-inch horn protruding from the back of his head and captivated audiences with a group of Chinese fakirs. Despite Ripley’s search for Wang, he remained elusive, and only a pH๏τograph of him was ever obtained.
Even earlier, in the 16th century, Francis Trovillou, also known as the Horned Man of Mezieres, gained attention. Trovillou’s horn began growing at the age of 7, extending from his forehead and bending backward. By the time he turned 35, the horn resembled the size and shape of a ram’s horn.
Madame Dimanche, a Parisian woman in the 19th century, developed a thick horn on her forehead in her seventies. The horn grew relentlessly, reaching a length of nearly 10 inches and darkening like a tree branch. Fortunately, an innovative French surgeon successfully removed it through an early form of plastic surgery.
Conclusion: horns, a curious and astonishing phenomenon, have left scientists and medical professionals puzzled throughout history. From ancient accounts to modern-day occurrences, these horn-like growths have fascinated and bewildered both the individuals affected and the public. While some cases have been met with fascination and acceptance, others have presented medical concerns. The study of human horns continues to shed light on the mysteries of the human body and its extraordinary capabilities.
