atmosphere, and assumes a
dark color, as represented in Plate II, Fig. 8. This fact, together with
its peculiar form when squeezed out of the skin, has caused it to be
termed _grub_. They often appear in great numbers on the face of persons
whose circulation is not active, or those who are of a particularly
nervous temperament. Stimulating baths and friction will prove very
efficacious in removing these cylinders of sebaceous matter. If they are
allowed to remain, they will produce an irritation of the skin causing
an inflammatory disease known as acne, or stone-pock.

ACNE OR STONE-POCK. In the earliest stage of congestion, acne is
characterized by minute hardened elevations of the skin, as shown in
Plate II, Fig. 9, and is termed _acne punctata_. As the affection
progresses, a bright red pimple, Plate II, Fig. 11, appears, having a
conical form, hence the name _acne coniformis_. The pimple develops into
a pustule containing yellow "matter," and is then known as _acne
pustulosa_. This is followed by a thickening of the tissues, termed
_acne tuberculata_. When the thicker skin is removed, it leaves a deep
scar, hence the term _acne indurata_.

CAUSES. The remote cause of acne is nutritive debility. The immediate
causes are rapid growth, anaemia, improper food, errors of hygiene,
mental exhaustion, and various chronic diseases.

TREATMENT. The treatment of favus or scald-head should be commenced by
shaving the hair off close to the scalp and washing the head thoroughly
with soap and water. In some severe cases, it may be necessary to soften
the incrustations with poultices, following these with a free use of
soap and water. Having thus exposed the scalp and thoroughly divested it
of incrustations, apply to it the ointment of iodide of sulphur, which
may be procured at any good drug store. It should be gently rubbed over
the parts night and morning. The scalp ought to be kept perfectly clean
throughout the treatment. Instead of the foregoing, the following may be
applied: Take oxalic acid, ten grains; creosote, twenty drops; water,
two ounces; mix. Half an hour after using this lotion, anoint the head
freely with butter or lard; it will add greatly to the efficacy of the
treatment. But while local applications will relieve many skin diseases
and mitigate suffering, we cannot too strongly impress upon the minds of
our readers the importance, in this as in all other chronic diseases of
the skin, of perseverance in the us