Julius Koch
Encyclopedia
Julius Koch also known as Le Geant Constantin, was one of thirteen people in medical history who have surpassed eight feet in height. He was a victim of the malady eunuchoidal-infantile gigantism
(daddy-longlegs syndrome). His height, 245.9 centimeters, (8 feet, 0.8 inches) was estimated, as his legs were amputated after they developed gangrene
. He was probably never the world's tallest person due to his life coinciding with that of John Rogan
, who likewise suffered from gigantism. Koch's femur
s were the longest on record - 76 centimeters (29.9 inches) - and his hands were 37.5 centimeters (14¾ inches) in length. His feet in some articles are claimed to have a length of 32 inches.
Koch died in Mons
, Belgium
on March 30, 1902. His skeleton is preserved in the Museum of Natural History in Mons.
Koch was the star of an early short film, The Giant Constantin, released in 1902.
Gigantism
Gigantism, also known as giantism , is a condition characterized by excessive growth and height significantly above average...
(daddy-longlegs syndrome). His height, 245.9 centimeters, (8 feet, 0.8 inches) was estimated, as his legs were amputated after they developed gangrene
Gangrene
Gangrene is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that arises when a considerable mass of body tissue dies . This may occur after an injury or infection, or in people suffering from any chronic health problem affecting blood circulation. The primary cause of gangrene is reduced blood...
. He was probably never the world's tallest person due to his life coinciding with that of John Rogan
John Rogan
John William "Bud" Rogan is one of 13 people in medical history to reach a height of 8 feet or more.He was born in Sumner County, Tennessee, United States, between 1865 and 1868. Rogan began to grow very rapidly at the age of 13, leading to ankylosis. Having only been able to walk on crutches, by...
, who likewise suffered from gigantism. Koch's femur
Femur
The femur , or thigh bone, is the most proximal bone of the leg in tetrapod vertebrates capable of walking or jumping, such as most land mammals, birds, many reptiles such as lizards, and amphibians such as frogs. In vertebrates with four legs such as dogs and horses, the femur is found only in...
s were the longest on record - 76 centimeters (29.9 inches) - and his hands were 37.5 centimeters (14¾ inches) in length. His feet in some articles are claimed to have a length of 32 inches.
Koch died in Mons
Mons
Mons is a Walloon city and municipality located in the Belgian province of Hainaut, of which it is the capital. The Mons municipality includes the old communes of Cuesmes, Flénu, Ghlin, Hyon, Nimy, Obourg, Baudour , Jemappes, Ciply, Harmignies, Harveng, Havré, Maisières, Mesvin, Nouvelles,...
, Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
on March 30, 1902. His skeleton is preserved in the Museum of Natural History in Mons.
Koch was the star of an early short film, The Giant Constantin, released in 1902.