Big Feet, Big Hands, Too Many Fingers

This category is a catchall for lots of unusual appendages. Performers such as Fanny Mills and Sylvia Porter most likely had Milroy disease, a condition that affects the normal function of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system produces and transports fluids and immune cells throughout the body. Impaired transport with accumulation of lymph fluid can cause swelling (lymphedema ).

Others with extra fingers and toes were products of genetic mutation. Today many of these cases are treatable through drugs or surgery.