TRICHOLOGIA MAMMALIUM; 
OR, 
A TREATISE ON PILE. 
CE AcP aii. (1°. 
PART I. 
Or tHE Worp Pite.—There is no English term, in common use, which includes hair 
and wool; we have, therefore, adopted the word “Pile.”* It is true that there are some 
animals, (belonging partly to the Carnaria, and partly to the Rodentia,) upon whose bodies 
are found both hair and wool, that are called “the fwr-bearing animals,” from which some 
might infer that “fw” is a generic term, including both these integuments; but there are 
other animals, upon whose bodies are found both hair and wool, that are not so denominated, 
wherefore it would have been improper to have placed the word ‘fur’ at the head of this 
Chapter. 
Or THE DeFInition oF Pine.—We have never seen an accurate definition, nor even an 
exact description, of pile, hair or wool. 
A definition, to be logical, should furnish a general idea of the nature of the genus of 
the object defined, with all the essential specific differences. ‘To do this we are not, at 
present, prepared. Buta description may pass examination, if it contains the most remarka- 
ble properties of the object described. This we shall attempt to make with the word pile. 
Or tHe Descriprion or Pine.—(See fig. 1.)—We describe pile to be a filamentous 
appendage of the dermis of the mammalia,—formed of gelatine and proteine,—emanating 
from cells,—growing at its lower extremity only,—consisting of, first a follicle, which is, 
for the most part, imbedded in the dermis; though sometimes found partly in the adipose 
tissue, connected with vessels and nerves; and, secondly, an insensible protruding shaft, 
terminating at its inferior extremity in a button, and at its superior one ina point. This 
shaft is composed of, Ist, a squamose and imbricated or paved cortex; 2dly, a fibrous inter- 
mediate substance, and 3dly, a coloring matter. Pile possesses great ductility, flexibility, 
elasticity and tenacity,—being highly electric,—polarizing light in an eminent degree ; is 
of great endurance,—having but little hygroscopic property; very little power to conduct 
* From “pilus,” a hair. 
