310 EPIDERMOIl) SYSTEM. 



it is the most incorruptible of the textures. It is almost 

 inorganic. 



Q. Has it vital forces ? 



A. It has none; it is destitute of sympathies. 



Q. How then would you describe the epidermis? 



#. As a semi-organized, or even inorganic body, placed 

 by nature between external inanimate substances, and the 

 organized dermis, in order to assist their passage and guard 

 against their force. 



Q. How does it differ from other tissues? 



. In the property of reproduction; and from some 

 textures it differs in this, that whereas, in diseases these 

 textures assume animal sensibility, foreign to them in 

 health, and thus feel pain, the epidermoid system is inca- 

 pable, either in health or disease, of assuming animal sen- 

 sibility. 



Q. How are the epidermoid pores seen? 



Jl. Their places are seen in those of the distinct drops 

 of sweat on the skin; the pores can be seen if a piece of 

 epidermis be held up between the eye and a strong light, 

 but you cannot distinguish the exhalent from the absorb- 

 ent pores. 



Q. What unites the epidermis to the cutis? 



.#. The exhalents, absorbents, and hairs. 



Q. Whence arises the thickness of the epidermoid sys- 

 tem on the hands and feet? 



*ft. It arises from numerous epidermoid layers, and 

 perhaps there is some unknown difference in the organi- 

 zation. 



