MOULDS 185 



the hyphse may split into segments giving off end pieces 

 as reproducing elements, called conidia, the whole 

 giving the appearance of the hand bones, the phalanges 

 representing the conidia (see Penicillium glaucum). 



FIG. 55 



Achorion Schonleinii. (Fliigge.) 



These moulds enter by wounds, cracks or hair follicles, 

 and develop in the superficial layers of the skin. The 

 mechanical irritation set up by their presence is largely 

 responsible for the various diseases they occasion. To 

 be sure, they can form enzymes, but of what impor- 

 tance they are in human lesions is not known. The 

 diseases are not highly contagious, but of great ten- 

 acity when once well advanced. Infective material 



