Luminosity of the Human Subject after Death. 425 



eflPect this, we procured a Cavendish bottle, in which a por- 

 tion of luminous matter was placed. Upon using the con- 

 densing syringe, a visible increase of brilliancy occurred. 



Luminous appearance under water. — Upon taking a portion 

 of luminous flesh, and placing it in a glass of distilled water, it 

 retained its luminosity for the space of from 10 to 15 minutes ; 

 and upon carefully removing the luminous matter from an- 

 other portion of flesh with a knife, and agitating the water with 

 the instrument, small globules of luminous matter were ob- 

 served dispersed throughout the fluid, which remained for the 

 space of 1 minute and a half. 



Appearance in milk. — Upon treating the matter as in the 

 preceding experiment, it gives to the fluid a very luminous 

 appearance, which lasts from 15 to 20 minutes; the brilliancy 

 dependent upon the quantity of matter introduced. 



In Oil. — The luminous appearance remains in this medium 

 for the space of three or four days. Upon rubbing the im- 

 mersed flesh against the sides of the glass, it became more 

 vivid. 



In Alcohol. — Upon immersion in this fluid, it is extin- 

 guished in the space of two minutes. It does not impart to 

 the alcohol the same appearance as is observed in the water 

 or milk. 



Heat. — Immediately extinguished, upon being placed in 

 boiling water and heated air. 



Cold. — Upon placing a portion in a glass, and suspending 

 the glass in a freezing mixture, no effect was observed after 

 the lapse of 30 minutes. 



Effects in the Diluted Mineral Acids. — Strength of solution 

 6 fluid drachms of acid to 2 fluid ounces of water. 



Sulphuric Acid. — Extinguished almost immediately. 



Nitric Acid. — Effect not so immediate as the preceding. 



Muriatic Acid. — Not so immediate as the nitric. 



Diluted Vegetable Acids. — Solution same proportions as 

 above. 



Acetic Acid. — Soon out after immersion. 



Tartaric Acid. — Not so immediate as preceding. 



Oxalic Acid. — Requires a longer period than tartaric. 



Diluted Alkalies. — Ammonia. — Extinguished on immer- 

 sion. 



Potassa. — In this medium some time is required to extin- 

 guish the luminosity. 



Muriate of Soda.*— A strong solution of this substance 

 extinguishes it almost immediately. 



It would be difficult to state the true nature of the cause of 

 this phaenomenon. From oiy* own observations, and the results 



