664 



OF SECRETION. 



by means of a varnish applied over the skin, gives rise to a state termed by 

 him Cutaneous Asphyxia ; which is marked by imperfect arterialization of the 

 blood, and considerable fall of temperature ( 768, 891); and which, as it 

 produces death in the lower animals, would probably do the same in Man. 

 A partial suppression by the same means gives rise to Febrile symptoms, and 

 to Albuminuria. 



872. The Skin is likewise furnished with numerous Sebaceous glands, also 

 distributed more or less closely throughout the whole surface of the body. By 

 these an Adipose secretion is poured forth, which keeps, the skin from being 

 dried and cracked by the action of the sun and air. It is especially abundant 

 in the races which are formed to inhabit warm climates. Some of these glan- 



[Fig. 266. 



Sebaceous glands, showing their size and relation to the hair-follicles : A and B from the nose ; c from 

 the beard. In the latter the cutis sends down an investment of the hair-follicle. JMagn. IS diam.] 



dulre are simple follicles lined with secreting cells, and contained in the sub- 

 stance of the Skin itself; whilst others are formed out of similar follicles, more 

 or less branched, elongated, and convoluted ; and others, again, seem to con- 

 sist of little else than clusters of Fat cells, from one part of which an excretory 

 duct arises: these last commonly open into the passage, by which the Hair 

 makes its way outwards. Besides these there are other glands situated in 

 particular parts of the body, and having special functions. Such are the Ceru- 

 minous glands situated beneath the skin of the auditory meatus ; these are 

 closely analogous in form to the sudoriferous glands, as the accompanying 

 figure shows ; but their secretion is very different, being nearly solid, and 

 having somewhat of a resinous character. A peculiar series of glandular, 

 bearing a general resemblance to the sudoriferous glands, but of larger size, 

 have lately been discovered by Prof. Homer* and M. Robin to exist in the 

 human axillae ; where they probably serve to secrete the peculiar odorous 

 matter, characteristic of that part. In many of the lower animals, such glands 

 may be detected, having a structure of considerable complexity. The odorous 

 secretion would appear to be elaborated from the blood by a simple chemical 

 change ; for it may be made evident even in blood that has been dried up, by 



* [Am. Journ. Mecl. Science, Jan. 1840, p:*13.] 



