Tarrare’s life was marked by his extreme appetite, which was evident from an early age. By his teens, he could eat a quarter of a bullock, weighing as much as he did, in a single day. His parents, unable to provide for him, forced him to leave home, and he spent years touring the country with a band of thieves and prostitutes, stealing and begging for food. He eventually gained employment as a warm-up act to a travelling charlatan, where he drew crowds by eating corks, stones, and live animals.
What Happened: Tarrare’s Ascension to Notoriety
Tarrare’s act eventually took him to Paris, where he worked as a street performer. In 1788, he suffered a severe intestinal obstruction during a performance, and was treated with powerful laxatives at the Hôtel-Dieu hospital. He made a full recovery and offered to eat anything that was given to him, which led to a series of medical experiments to test his eating capacity. In one notable instance, he ate a meal intended for 15 people in a single sitting, and in another, he swallowed eels whole without chewing.
Tarrare’s condition did not go unnoticed by the military, and in 1792, he joined the French Revolutionary Army, where he was employed as a courier. His ability to swallow documents and pass through enemy lines made him an asset, but his first mission ended in capture by Prussian forces. He was severely beaten and subjected to a mock execution before being returned to French lines. Chastened by this experience, Tarrare agreed to submit to any procedure that might cure his appetite.
Despite his unusual diet, Tarrare was underweight and showed no signs of mental illness, except for an apathetic temperament. His condition has been the subject of much speculation, with some attributing it to a rare medical condition, while others see it as a case of extreme gluttony.
The Tarrare Enigma: Historical Context
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Tarrare’s condition occurred during a time of great social and economic upheaval in France. The French Revolution had created a sense of uncertainty and chaos, and Tarrare’s ability to consume vast amounts of food may have been seen as a manifestation of the excesses of the time. The French Revolutionary Army’s use of Tarrare as a courier also highlights the desperate measures taken by the military during this period.
Tarrare’s case also parallels earlier cases of pica, a condition characterized by eating non-food items. His ability to swallow live animals and unusual items has also drawn comparisons to contortionism, a practice that was popular in 18th-century France.
Impact and Aftermath of Tarrare’s Condition
Tarrare’s condition had significant consequences for his health and well-being. He was eventually ejected from the hospital after being suspected of eating a one-year-old toddler, and he spent the remainder of his life struggling to manage his appetite. He died in 1798, at the age of 25 or 26, due to complications from severe tuberculosis.
Tarrare’s case has also had a lasting impact on the medical community, with his condition being studied and written about by doctors for centuries. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities of the human body and the need for continued medical research and understanding.
Modern Perspective on Tarrare’s Condition
Today, Tarrare’s condition is recognized as a rare medical disorder, and his case is studied by doctors and researchers around the world. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and treating eating disorders, and the need for continued research into the complexities of the human body.
Tarrare’s legacy also extends beyond the medical community, with his story having been the subject of numerous books, films, and artworks. His condition has captivated the imagination of people around the world, and continues to inspire and fascinate to this day.