154 OF TOUCH. 



for the purpose of resisting pressure, and thus assisting 

 the action of the fingers, while examining objects. 



They are of a horny nature, but on the whole very 

 similar to the epidermis. For under them lies the reti- 

 culum, which in negroes is black ; * and under this is 

 found the corium, adhering firmly to the periosteum of 

 the last phalanx. These constituent parts of the nails 

 are striated lengthwise. The posterior edge, which, in 

 the hands, is remarkable for a little lunated appear- 

 ance, is fixed in a furrow of the skin; and the nails 

 are growing constantly from this, so as to be perfectly 

 renewed about every six months. 



according to mode of life. On one side, I would grant to both parties that the 

 snowy hands of a delicate girl must enjoy a much more exquisite sense of 

 touch than what I called the fingers of animals. But, on the other, I have 

 frequently seen simiae and papiones possessing njuch softer fingers, and using 

 these fingers to explore surfaces much more dexterously, than many barbarous 

 nations and innumerable persons among the lower orders of Europeans whose 

 hands have been hardened by labour. 



* B. S. Albinus, De Habitu ct Colore .Ethiopum. fig. 3. 



