HoGG^ on Parasitic Fungi. 
45 
and spores in groups, granular matter, and epithelium; spores 
covering the epithelial scales, which were shrivelled. 
Case 12. x 
Seventeen cases of this disease contributed specimens for 
examination, in all of which vegetations were observed, and 
in several of them the fungus named Microsporon furfur, 
supposed to be the cause of the disease, was clearly identified. 
This fungus is said to have been discovered by Eichstadt in 
1846, and is described as exhibiting spores piled up in groups 
or heaps; and, although Robin himself could not find this 
parasite, I acknowledge that the characteristic grouping of 
the spores has been distinctly marked in most of the speci- 
mens I have examined. But, although this piling up of the 
spores may be in some measure identified with the disease, it 
does not follow that the disease is caused by the fungus, which 
may merely find in this form of disease a suitable soil for 
its growth and fructification. The fungus may be destroyed 
by soaking the skin with a nitrous acid or mercurial lotion, 
but unless attention is paid to the state of the blood no 
lotions will cure the disease. 
Microsporon mentagraphytes. Mentagra, ' Syn.,^ Sycosis 
menti, Tubercular or pustular eruption on chin and 
bearded parts. 
Case 1. — Hairs broken and bent, covered by epithelial 
scales forming protuberances in the hair ; mycelia covering 
the surface, filaments detached and sporules distributed 
about. Epithelial scales large, with well-marked nuclei (fig. 6). 
Case 2. — Mycelia surrounding hair-bulb, sporules scattered, 
ovoid, and some much elongated ; root broken off and 
covered with mycelia and worn-out epithelial scales, small in 
size. 
Case 3. — Mycelia with filaments and spores were found on 
the hair, which had a good deal of colouring matter. The 
enlargement of the bulb of one was remarkable, giving it 
the appearance represented in fig. 12. 
The eruption in Sycosis is peculiar, the pustules and epithe- 
lial scales run together in irregular patches over the face and 
scalp. This disease is thought to be produced by the fungus 
Microsporon mentagraphytes. According to Gruby it forms 
a kind of sheath surrounding and protecting that part of 
Severally showing Microsporon furfur. 
