On Dec. 8, 1895, the Boston Sunday Post published an article titled “The Wonders of Modern Science” that presented astonished readers with reports from the so-called “Royal Scientific Society” documenting the existence of “marvels and monsters” hitherto believed imaginary.

The “human freaks” supposedly cataloged by the British scientists included a mermaid, a terrifying “human crab,” and the unfortunate Edward Mordrake, who would soon become an enduring urban legend.

As the Post reported, Edward Mordrake (originally spelled Mordake) was a young, intelligent, and good-looking English nobleman, as well as a “musician of rare ability.” 

But with all of his great blessings came a terrible curse. In addition to his handsome, normal face, Mordrake possessed a terrifying disfigurement: another face on the back of his head.