Attention Deficit Disorder Prosthetic Memory Program

Tarrare

ADDPMP722

As a child, Tarrare had a huge appetite and by his teens could eat a quarter of a bullock.For some years, Tarrare toured the country, stealing and begging for food. He would draw a crowd by eating corks, stones and live animals, and by swallowing an entire basketful of apples one after the other. In 1788, he moved to Paris to work as a street performer. Despite his unusual diet, Tarrare was slim and of average height. At the age of 17, he weighed only 45kg (100lb). When he had not eaten, his skin would hang so loosely that he could wrap the fold of skin from his abdomen around his waist. When full, his abdomen would distend. The skin of his cheeks was wrinkled and hung loosely. He is also known to have sweated heavily and had a foul body odour.

The cause of Tarrare’s behaviour is not known. While there are other documented cases of similar behaviour from the period, none of the subjects other than Tarrare were autopsied. Some speculated he suffered from hyperthyroidism, which induces an extreme appetite, rapid weight loss, profuse sweating, heat intolerance and fine hair. Others speculated that Tarrare had a damaged amygdala, as it is known these types of injuries in animals can induce polyphagia.

Tarrare - © Attention Deficit Disorder Prosthetic Memory Program
Parco dei Mostri - © Attention Deficit Disorder Prosthetic Memory Program
ADDPMP118
Parco dei Mostri
Clathrus Ruber - © Attention Deficit Disorder Prosthetic Memory Program
ADDPMP344
Clathrus Ruber
French Punk Demo Tapes (1987-1997) - © Attention Deficit Disorder Prosthetic Memory Program
ADDPMP282
French Punk Demo Tapes (1987-1997)
Sutton Hoo helmet - © Attention Deficit Disorder Prosthetic Memory Program
ADDPMP763
Sutton Hoo helmet
Hellas Planitia - © Attention Deficit Disorder Prosthetic Memory Program
ADDPMP720
Hellas Planitia
Here And Elsewhere - © Attention Deficit Disorder Prosthetic Memory Program
ADDPMP553
Here And Elsewhere
Rag Chair - © Attention Deficit Disorder Prosthetic Memory Program
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Rag Chair
On The Art Of The Cinema - © Attention Deficit Disorder Prosthetic Memory Program
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On The Art Of The Cinema
Novelty Architecture - © Attention Deficit Disorder Prosthetic Memory Program
ADDPMP675
Novelty Architecture
Zoo Hypothesis - © Attention Deficit Disorder Prosthetic Memory Program
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Zoo Hypothesis
Schmidt Sting Pain Index - © Attention Deficit Disorder Prosthetic Memory Program
ADDPMP522
Schmidt Sting Pain Index
Makapansgat Pebble - © Attention Deficit Disorder Prosthetic Memory Program
ADDPMP808
Makapansgat Pebble

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