Summarize the arguments, both for and against, for the hypothesis that Abraham Lincoln had Marfan syndrome. What will be an ideal response?

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ANSWER: A pedigree published in the 1960s showed that a child diagnosed with Marfan syndrome had
an ancestor in common with Abraham Lincoln (the common ancestor was Lincoln’s greatgreat-
grandfather). Marfan syndrome affects the body’s connective tissue and causes visual
problems, blood vessel defects, and loose joints. Photographs, written descriptions, and
medical reports verify that Lincoln had long arms and legs, was loose-jointed, and wore
glasses to correct a visual problem. The combination of common ancestry and Lincoln’s
appearance led to speculation that Lincoln had Marfan syndrome. Other experts disagree with
that idea, arguing that Lincoln’s long arms and legs and body proportions were well within
the normal limits for tall, thin individuals. In addition, although Lincoln wore eyeglasses, he
was farsighted, whereas those with the usual form of Marfan syndrome are nearsighted.
Lastly, Lincoln showed no outward signs of problems with major blood vessels such as the
aorta. Lincoln had only one son, Robert, who lived to adulthood and who showed no signs of
Marfan syndrome.