Luminosity of the Human Subject after Death, 423 



was situated in the moist or dry parts^ we noted in the dark 

 the situation of the luminosity; which upon examination in 

 the light showed it to be the moistened parts. 



Microscopic Observations. — With a view of elucidating this 

 phaenomenon we submitted a portion of the luminous matter 

 scraped carefully irom the subject to microscopic examina- 

 tion, in the first place, with the idea that from its exceedingly 

 rapid augmentation it was due to an animal very low in the 

 scale of organization. Our first examination led us to suppose, 

 from the peculiar motion of some of the molecules in the fluid, 

 that an animal of extreme minuteness was present : but upon 

 further examination, with the assistance of Mr. Bowerbank's 

 microscope and experience in these matters, we were convinced 

 that no such animal as the Monas existed in the matter. It 

 was not until we had an opportunity of witnessing the various 

 but similar currents in a weak solution of gamboge, that we 

 could reconcile ourselves to the appearance ; for at times we 

 observed small globules starting from one side to the other, 

 and occasionally stemming the current for a considerable dis- 

 stance. Until we had observed the similar motion in the gam- 

 boge, we did not feel perfectly satisfied that no living being 

 there existed. In the course of the examination, Mr. Bower- 

 bank observed a small threadlike body dart across the field 

 of the microscope, which he immediately recognised as one of 

 those hoAies {Vibriones) which are so abundantly seen upon ma- 

 cerating animal matter, such as a mouse, in water for a length 

 of time. The power of the lens under which we observed the 

 above was about 900 ; and speaking in general terms of the size 

 of the molecules before mentioned, as viewed under the above 

 power, they were as near as could be ascertained the 100, 000th 

 of an inch in size ; so small indeed were they, that it was totally 

 impossible to measure them with the finest micrometer as yet 

 constructed. And according to the measurement of certain 

 animals which among others produce the luminosity of the sea, 

 as measured by Mr. Bowerbank at about lOOlh of an inch, 

 these molecules, for we will not give them any higher title, were 

 at least 1000 times smaller. Although not exactly in connection 

 with the present subject we have given the rough estimate of 

 the molecules observed, as compared with the minute animals 

 which are known to give the sea the beautiful phosphorescent 

 appearance so frequently observed. 



A portion of luminous matter having been placed under the 

 microscope, the light evolved was sufficient to illuminate the 

 field in patches. The luminosity appeared to be emitted from 

 an oilij matter. 



Experiments with gases. — Having been led to suppose from 



