97 



glove, the outer surface has become an inner one, in respect to its 

 central axis — so, by inversion of a portion of the skin, the outer layer 

 becomes the inner, and the outer layer of the follicle is a continuation of 

 the inner layer of the skin. 



The outer layer of the follicle is essentially a part of the true skin 

 modified by the particular function it has to perform. It consists of two 

 parts, an areolar layer connecting it with the cutis generally, on which, 

 in a state of health, the capillaries ramify ; and a fibrous coat of con- 

 siderable thickness and tenacity, whose fibres are circulqjly disposed, 

 and which reaches as high as the commencement of the homy streak of 

 the hair. An inner membrane is described by Kolliker, which is con- 

 sidered to be analogous to limitary membrane. I must confess that I 

 am very sceptical upon this point, and think that the smooth surface r{ 

 the fibrous layer, seen obliquely, lias led to the id^a of a separate mem- 

 brane. Those, however, who hold that there is a limitary membrane 

 between the cutis vera and rete malpighianum, will readily believe in 

 tbe existence of a similar membrane here. 



This folUcular sheath is moderately supplied with nerves ; in some 

 large hairs, as the whiskers of the cat, &c., separate nerve twigs may be 

 traced to each ; the rest merely partake of the general sensibility of 

 the cutis, and have no independent supply. The pain produced by the 

 extraction of liaii-s varies very considerably in different parts. Thus, 

 the hau*s on the upper lip are more sensitive than any others. Next 

 in order come those of the nostril, temple, scrotum, fingers. The most 

 insensible parts are the vertex, eyebrow, eyelid, and chin. 



Whenever a hair is inflamed, no matter what its position, its sensi- 

 bility is greatly exalted. 



In peculiar states of the system, manipulation of the hair exerts a 

 remarkable influence on the nerves — some are soothed by their head 

 being combed ; others faint when the hair is cut ; some suffer acutely 

 under the hands of the friseur ; others fall asleep under his operations. 



If we may credit the mesmerists, there is so much virtue and elec- 

 trical character in the hair, that any disease of the person owning it may 

 be told by a clairvoyant, from a lock of hair, as surely as if he were tbe 

 profoundest physician that ever walked this earth; and the hair thus 

 becomes equal to the tongue, pulse, aspect, and temperament com- 

 bined together. 



Under ordmary circumstances, the outer layer only of the follicle is 



vascular, no blood therefore follows the extraction of the liaii*, which, 



as we shall see, simply removes the bulb, leaving the follicle uninjured. 



If, however, from any c-ause, the follicle becomes inflamed, the 



14 



