ZOOLOGY. 357 



duction of an electrical disequilibrium in the act of muscular contrac- 

 tion. This phenomenon, Mattucci is of opinion, may consist in a 

 species of dicharge, propagated in the direction of the ramification of 

 the nerve possibly analogous to that of the discharge in the electric 

 fish. 



Prof. Mattucci also states, that he has failed to detect the slightest 

 sign of a current from voluntary contraction, even when operating on 

 a circle of thirty and forty persons, who all contraeed the same arm at 

 the same time ; the galvaniscopic frog, the nerve of which formed part 

 of the circuit, failing to give any signs of an electric current, although 

 extremely sensitive. 







