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CHAP. XIV.] that the cuticle becomes thickened when the true skin is subject to continued dangers. Thus the cuticle is thickest on the soles of the feet, which are always subject to pressure from the ground, similarly the cuticle of the hands of mechanics, and those who in their trades are obliged to handle rough, hot, or poisonous substances becomes thickened, and being itself insensitive and bloodless, protects the true skin, and enables it to continue its important functions unharmed. In a similar manner hard patches are formed by the thickening of the cuticle on the finger of the sempstress, and on the fingers of those who play on stringed instruments, and these patches coincide with the part which comes in contact with the needle or strings. These portions of thickened cuticle are in reality corns, and they are formed on the feet in order to protect the true skin from the pressure of an ill-made boot, or from any roughness on the inside.

This being so, it is evident that to talk of the "root" of a corn, and of extracting the same as chiropodists do, is pure quackery. The corn is really a natural protection, and to have it cut or dragged out is not only dangerous but useless, for if the cause continues it must grow again. The only way to get rid of corns is to wear properly-fitting boots, and then the corn no longer being required will go away of itself, the thickened layers of cuticle will separate from the skin. This separation may be assisted by soaking the feet in hot water, and after this the corn can be removed with the fingers.