Dermoid Cysts of the Ovary. Pilous Cysts. 293 



is a foetid discharge from the vulva, suggesting microbian infec- 

 tion likely to dangerously infect the serosa. In appropriate 

 cases it is a resort of very great value, in restoring to use ani- 

 mals that are especially valuable for their progeny and which be- 

 come utterly useless when rendered barren . According to different 

 observers an average of 70 per cent, can be restored to usefulness 

 in this way. Friedberger and Frbhner claim 90 per cent. Some 

 febrile reaction may be noted for twenty-four hours demanding 

 rest, restricted, cooling, laxative food and sometimes laxatives 

 and anodynes. 



DERMOID CYSTS OF THE OVARY. PII^OUS CYSTS. 



Closed cutaneous sacs, with hair and sebum. Causes : enclosure of der- 

 moid tissue in embryo : aborted ovum : virgin gestation. Symptoms. 

 Treatment : Castration. 



These are much less common than are simple cysts. They are 

 closed sacs, lined by a tissue essentially representing skin, and 

 containing sebaceous matter and hairs, some growing from the 

 dermoid surface, and others detached and formed into a loose 

 mass. 



Causes. These cysts have been attributed to the enclosure, in 

 the forming embryo, of the formative elements of dermoid tissue, 

 -which may or may not remain latent and inactive until maturity, 

 or until the ovary becomes physiologically active. 



Another theory is that an impregnated ovum has remained im- 

 perfect, developing only the elements of the skin, instead of the 

 whole fcEtal body. Many cases cannot by any possibility be in- 

 cluded under this head, seeing that the cyst is found at much too 

 early an age, and its bearer has never had sexual intercourse. 



Another doctrine is that the dermoid cyst is derived from the nor- 

 mal plastic or formative powers of the ovary, and the product be- 

 comes suggestive of parthenogenesis or virgin gestation. The fact 

 that these cysts are not confined to the production of skin and hair, 

 but at times form bone, teeth, nervous and other tissues as well, 

 corroborates this view. On the other hand we must bear in mind 

 -that dermoid cysts are much more common in other tissues than 



