662 



DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 



Objection is taken to these forms of classification upon the 

 grounds that they are mainly anatomical, and that they throw 

 no light on the causes, the pathology, or the treatment of the 

 various diseases. "Febrile diseases are associated with the 

 non-febrile, and local and trivial ailments are associated with 

 those of grave import. They entirely overlook the circum- 

 stance that what may be papular to-day may be vesicular to- 

 morrow, and pustular eventually. And, on the other hand, 

 distempers which nature has plainly brought together, and 

 connected by striking analogies and resemblances, are by these 

 arrangements put widely asunder." — (Watson.) 



The late Dr. Buchanan, of Glasgow, in a paper " On the 

 Theory and Classification of Inflammation of the Skin," says 

 that skin diseases, like all other diseases, ought to be classified 

 according to their nature or pathology ; but when the cause is 

 unknown, some other principles must be sought for, under 

 which groups may be formed ; and he finds that in the patho- 

 logical processes recognised as infiammations, new formations, 



