44 LANCASHIRE VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. 
of the skin ; of the latter, excited or depressed nervous powers. 
When the temperature of the atmosphere is unusually elevated, and 
the air dry, perspiration takes place with so much activity as to pre¬ 
serve the heat of the body at its natural standard. If, instead 
of being still, the atmosphere pass over the surface of the 
body in a current, the quantity of perspiration is still further in¬ 
creased, and the cooling influence is more felt. But if, with the 
same temperature, the atmosphere be loaded with moisture, per¬ 
spiration is prevented, and the heat of the body becomes intense. 
The influence of stimulation in the promotion of perspiration is 
shown in the effects of exercise, warm bath, diaphoretics, &c. 
Instances of the influence of the nervous system are shown in fear, 
anxiety, and syncope. 
The perspiratory function possesses its highest amount of activity 
during digestion, while immediately after taking food it is at its 
minimum. 
The secretion of the perspiration is also modified by the greater 
or less activity of the other secretions, particularly of the lungs and 
kidneys, the functions of these organs being frequently vicarious 
with the skin, and vice versa. Thus, during the summer and in 
warm climates the perspiratory secretion is augmented, while the 
exhalations from the lungs and kidneys are diminished. In cold 
weather and in northern climes the reverse is the case. 
On quitting a warm room, especially after indulging in stimulants, 
for the cold air, a sudden check is given to the perspiration, while 
the kidneys are suddenly and actively called into exercise. 
Having gone thus far with the formation of the skin and its 
functions, I will now point out some of its diseases, particularly those 
that come most under our notice as veterinary surgeons. First, I 
will take those arising from accident, as incision, abrasion, and con¬ 
tusion. These, as a rule, are simple and easily managed. In in¬ 
cision, by bringing the divided parts in apposition, and using 
sutures, together with cleanliness and the application of ordinary 
wound tincture, we shall soon have the parts restored, as a rule. 
In abrasion there is often a greater surface injured, and principally 
from lateral force and scrubbing, if I may be allowed the term. 
The treatment should be fomentation and the application of arnica 
lotion, which, as a rule, soon leads to resolution. 
In contusion, when arising from a heavy blow or from persistent 
or undue pressure upon a part, we sometimes get death of a portion 
of the skin, as in sitfast. The treatment that I have found most suc¬ 
cessful is relieving the pressure from the part, cleanliness, and the 
application of a gentle stimulant round the edges, between the dead 
and living portions of the skin, to set up a healthy action. In 
common contusion I And fomentation and the use of Linimentum 
Saponis, or one of 01. Sambuci and 01. Terebinth with 01. Origani, 
to answer very well. 
I will now proceed to point out some of the affections of the skin 
occurring in our practice, and arising from other causes, commencing 
with— 
