NAILS

are formed from the horny layer of the skin. At the root of the nail the skin is folded back on itself so that two layers are facing each other with the nail between them, At this point the nail grows by the addition of horny matter from above, below, and behind, and it continues to receive additions on its under surface until the nail projects beyond the finger. The nails should be cleansed by the nail brush and soap only. Toe-nail a should be cut square, fingernails with the corners slightly rounded. [f the nails be cut to any extent down the sides, ingrowing toe-nail results. The nails are curved in consumption and heart disease. They are fi ured throughout thoir length in gout, furrowed acro after fever, and dry, lustrele , discoloured, and fi ured when attacked by ring-worm. [Refer to Ingrowing Toe-nail.} [s. 388]