Devereux reviews some anthropological data showing that various cultures attribute special significance to parts of the body such as fingernails, hair, and exuviae. These parts differ from most other parts of the body; they may be classed with the penis and sensory organs, having in common a uniqueness which contrasts with the undifferentiated mass of flesh comprising most of the body. It is suggested that the special attributes ascribed to unique but insignificant parts such as the fingernails may represent a cathexis extended from the highly cathected unique organs of sex and sensation.