R. MARKS Biology has become a 'numbers game'. The advantages of being able to grade changes in tissue, submit results to statistical analysis and accurately record biological phenomena make measurement essential. This is as true for the various disciplines in applied biology as it is for the more esoteric aspects ofthe subject. Regrettably, sk in biologists until recently had not seized the opportunities that the availability of their tissue of interest afforded and fell behind in the exploration of measurement techniques. Probably this resulted in part from the mistaken sentiment that 'to...

The stratum corneum is a magnificent example of the successful adaptation of a tissue. Its efficient function is a prerequisite for life itself. We depend on its control of the movement of water through the skin and on its protective role in the prevention of penetration by pathogens or harmful substances. Apart from its functional importance, there is no escaping the fact that the most common skin disorders (psoriasis, eczema, inherited disorders of keratinization, acne) are 'characterised by abnormal keratinization and or scaliness. Despite all this, understanding of its chemistry,...

R. MARKS Biology has become a 'numbers game'. The advantages of being able to grade changes in tissue, submit results to statistical analysis and accurately record biological phenomena make measurement essential. This is as true for the various disciplines in applied biology as it is for the more esoteric aspects ofthe subject. Regrettably, sk in biologists until recently had not seized the opportunities that the availability of their tissue of interest afforded and fell behind in the exploration of measurement techniques. Probably this resulted in part from the mistaken sentiment that 'to...

Substances that are applied to the skin to heal it, make it feel better or improve its appearance, have much in common. They can all do damage to the skin as well as perform the task for which they were designed. They and the substances they contain are all absorbed through the skin to a greater or lesser extent. In addition, all these agents are constructed in the same general way. For these reasons it seems odd and uneconomical to consider topical pharmaceuticals, toiletry products and cosmetics separately. This was the reasoning behind the holding of a small symposium of workers involved...