The office of the is undoubtedly protective. In making a microscopical preparation of the cells with water, it becomes evident that the coating is penetrated by the liquid with very great difficulty, even when mixed with it as thoroughly as possible. The protecting coat of vernix caseosa allows the skin to perform its office in utero, and at birth, when this coating is removed, the surface is found in a condition perfectly adapted to extrauterine existence. It is not probable that the vernix caseosa is necessary to facilitate the passage of the child into the world, for the parts of the mother are always sufficiently lubricated with mucous secretion.