The pig (hog or swine) is a hoofed woodland mammal of the genus Sus, of the suidae family. The head is prolonged into a pointed snout. The feet have four toes, two of which reach the ground and the skin is very thick, and mostly covered with stiff bristles.
The prevailing colour of the domestic pig is a dull yellowish white, sometimes marked irregularly with black, and sometimes totally black. It is omnivorous in its habits, devouring almost any vegetable or animal substance. It is also very prolific, has usually two litters in a year, a litter consisting of from ten to even twenty piglets.
Pigs are very alert, co-operative and inquisitive animals, in the wild found in forests, particularly Beech forests, where they dig around in the forestlitter with their sensitive snout. Domesticated pigs will co-operate, with piglets organising structured raiding parties, with lookouts, on stocks of foodstuffs given the opportunity. Pigs communicate, both with each other and with other animals. While not aggressive, adult pigs will defend themelves against perceived threats, but will issue warning grunts before attacking.
The flesh of the pig, called pork, takes salt better than almost any other meat, and hence traditionally formed an important article in military and naval stores. The lard of the pig is used in a variety of preparations, and the bristles are used in large quantities in the manufacture of brushes, whilst the skin, when tanned, is used by saddlers, bookbinders, etc..
Pigs wallow in mud and mire, not through a desire to get dirty, but through a peculiarity of all the pachydermata to cool themselves and provide a protection against insects. The wild-boar, from which most of our domesticated varieties are derived, is found in most parts of Europe and Asia. In size the wild animal considerably exceeds the domesticated pig, the legs are longer and more muscular, and the back therefore much higher. Hunting this animal has long been a favourite amusement, and can still be practised in various parts of Europe. The wild hogs of Hindustan, which formerly afforded the amusement of 'pig-sticking' to the British residents there, belongs to the species Sus cristatus, closely allied to the European wild-boar. Another species is found in south-eastern Asia, Java, and various islands, and distinct from it is the Guineahog of West Africa, which is also said to have been naturalized in Brazil. As allied to the pig may be mentioned the Babiroussa, the genus Phacochoerus, or wart-hogs, and the peccaries. Research Pig
The wart hog (Phacochoerus) is a genus belonging to the pig family found in Africa. Wart hogs are characterised by their very large heads, which bear large wart-like processes at the sides. The tusks are greatly developed, those of the upper jaw being considerably larger than those of the lower. Research Wart hog
Syphilis is a venereal disease (VD, STD) due to the micro-organism Treponema Pallidum. It is usually transmitted by sexual contact with an infected person, but may also be transmitted by contact with an infected person through cuts or scratches in the skin, making medical staff particularly at risk of contracting the disease. The initial stage of syphilis is a 'chancre' which resembles a large infected wart. It appears on the lips or in the genital area, but frequently this stage of the disease is overlooked and heals spontaneously.
Primary syphilis, as this stage is called, may then pass unnoticed. The secondary stage lasts for several weeks and is characterised by rashes and ulcerative lesions in the mouth. This stage also may be overlooked and if treatment is not instituted the patient will develop tertiary syphilis of which there are various manifestations. One is the development of a syphilitic tumour or gumma which breaks down and produces an ulcer - gummatous ulcer. Tertiary syphilis also affects the nervous system, producing tabes dorsalis (locomotor ataxia). In this condition the victim develops degenerative changes in the joints (Charcot's joints) and perforating ulcers in the feet. The child of an infected mother may be born with congenital syphilis which shows itself during the first two or three years of life in special changes which affect the child's bones, liver and eyes. Research Syphilis
Warts are small, harmless tumours caused by viruses. Left alone, many of them will eventually disappear by themselves. They're harmless, quite common, and very contagious. Most people get warts by contact with someone who has them. Contact can be indirect, too, as in a community shower or swimming pool. Wearing sandals or thongs in these areas will minimize the risk. When you come into contact with one of the wart-causing viruses, they infect the skin and multiply. Usually, the wart grows bigger over time and can take on a rough, scaly appearance. There are many types of warts and they can develop almost anywhere on the body: common warts, usually found on the hands and fingers; plantar warts, small, hard kernels found on the soles of feet; flat warts, seen most often on the faces of children and young adults, are smooth, flat and yellow-brown in colour; genital warts, generally larger and softer than other warts; and periungal warts, caused by excessive fingernail biting. Research Warts
Abbreviations
Research Pig
