MEASUREMENT OF SENSITIVITY OF CUTANEOUS NEVI

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Abstract
THE HISTOGENESIS of nevi still remains controversial. The epidermal theory of their origin is favored by Block, Miescher, Ormsby, and Montgomery,* who believe that certain basal cells of the epidermis under suitable stimulus assume the ability to produce melanin. This opinion is opposed to the concept of the neurogenic origin of neval cells as conceived by Masson 4 and proposed by Soldan.5 Some protagonists of the epidermal origin of nevi have offered in support of their beliefs the clinical opinion that moles are no more sensitive than the rest of the skin, and that they should be, if the neural theory of their origin be valid. If these pigmented growths have their origin in cells of the peripheral nerve apparatus in the skin, it was considered to be of some interest to see if any variations in sensitivity could be elicited and recorded. Clinical impressions of the