Part 76

EPIDERMOID SYSTEM.

General Observations.—Division. 349

ARTICLE FIRST.

OF THE EXTERNAL EPIDERMIS.

I. Forms, Relations with the Dermis, &c.

Wrinkles.—Pores.—Adhesion to the skin.—Means of destroying this adhesion.—Arrangement. 350

II. Organization, Composition, &c.

Uniform thickness in most parts.—Remarkable thickness on the foot and the hand.—Consequences of this thickness.—Experiments upon the colour of negroes.—Epidermoid texture.—Its peculiar nature.—Action of the air, water, caloric, the acids, the alkalies, &c. upon the epidermoid texture. 353

III. Properties.

Extensibility.—The animal properties are foreign to the epidermis.—It appears to be destitute also of organic properties.—Continual destruction of the epidermis.—Its reproduction when it is removed. 360

IV. Development.

State of the epidermis in the fœtus, the adult and the old person. 364

ARTICLE SECOND.

INTERNAL EPIDERMIS. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS UPON THIS EPIDERMIS.

I. Epidermis of the origin of the Mucous Surfaces.

It is very distinct.—Proofs of its existence.—Its reproduction.—Its nature. 366

II. Epidermis of the deep Surfaces.

Uncertainty of its existence.—Experiments.—Membranes that are sometimes thrown off.—It appears that it is not the epidermis. 367

ARTICLE THIRD.

OF THE NAILS.

I. Form, Extent, Relations, &c.

Of the habit of cutting the nails.—Anterior, middle and posterior portions of the nail.—Superior and inferior surfaces.—Of the texture which supports the nail. 369

II. Organization, Properties, &c.

Of the laminæ which form the nails.—Of their arrangement.—Their analogy with the epidermis.—Obscurity of the vital properties.—Facility with which the nails, epidermis, &c. are coloured. 373

Development.—State of the nails in the fœtus, the adult, and the old person. 376

PILOUS SYSTEM.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.

ARTICLE FIRST.