[ io6 ] 
Pores in the Epidermis neceffarily make it tranfpa- 
rent 5 and that the Smallnefs of the Particles, into 
which it is divided by them, make it unfit to reflect 
any Rays of Light, and confequently to manifeft any 
Colour of its own. 
But, to this, fome, perhaps, may object, that the 
Epidermis, when taken off of the Body, appears 
white, and confequently refleds fuch Rays of Light. 
But then we muft confider, that its Pores and Fibres 
are much contracted, and its Subftance, confequently, 
rendered more denfe, and fitter to reflect any Colour ; 
befides, it is then evacuated of thofe tranfparent 
limpid Juices, which it before contained, from the 
Vcflels of the Skin which pervade it ; and which, as 
Sir IJaac Newton fhews {a), will render any Body 
tranfparent ; efpecially fince thofe Juices, which then 
pervade the Epidermis, are nighly of the fame Denfity 
with it } fince all Accretion and Nutrition is from 
fuch. Accordingly we fee, that when the Epider- 
mis is taken off of the Body, it appears tranfparent 
enough for what we have affigned, efpecially its ex- 
ternal Enmina. This may be further perceived, by 
holding the Hands of fome Perfons of thin Skins, 
and much fhrivefd, in a certain Light; when you 
may perceive the Colour which this Membrane re- 
flets, which is of a filver White, like all other pel- 
lucid LamelU', very different from the Colour which 
it tranfmits from the Parts under it ; of which Colour 
likewile the Scales of the Epidermis appear, when 
rubbed off on black Cloth, or when fealed off in a 
(«) Opt. 1. 2. Par. 3. Prop. III. 
I 
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Lcprofy : 
