24G ''^P'""' 



Thus we are iu the presence of a chemical action, but which only 

 shows itself in the glow-worm under biological conditions. We can 

 demonstrate this in another manner. Without pounding, certain 

 toxic agents have the power of destroying the cellules. If we submit 

 the glow-worm to the action of sulphuretted hydrogen, it is killed 

 immediately. If we excite it afterwards electrically, we obtain no 

 light. The cellules are intact in form, but destroyed physiologically ; 

 they have lost their functional power. It is certain, however, that the 

 protoplasm contains all the materials necessary for the production of 

 the phosphorescent substance, but the substance is not fabricated. It 

 is only produced as a means for an end, under the influence of will, 

 and by the intermediary of the nervous system, which excites the 

 cellules and calls them into action. Phosphorescence is thus a pheno- 

 menon of the same order as muscular movement, such as the discharge 

 of electricity in the apparatus of the Torpedo, the result of chemical 

 combinations acting on the protoplasmic matter. 



It is very probable that the phosphorescent substance is a gaseous 

 product, for the structure of the gland, well studied by Owsjanikof, 

 does not give one the idea of an organ secreting liquid. But chemical 

 phosphorescent products at an ordinary temperature are not numerous, 

 I which induce one to believe the substance is phosphoretted hydrogen. 

 I It is for chemists to elucidate this point ; but they should seek the 

 ! matter in the cellular protoplasm, and not directly. 

 1 My researches induce me to believe phosphorescence a property 



; of protoplasm, consisting in the disengagement of phosphoretted 

 / hydrogen. This explains why many of the lower animals, deprived of 

 ! a nervous system, are phosphorescent. Besides, it offers the advan- 

 \ tage of connecting the phenomena of phosphorescence in living beings 



I with that we see in organic matters in a state of decomposition. It is 

 one more example of a phenomenon of the biological order traced to 

 V. an exclusively chemical cause. 



DESCRIPTION OF A NEW LONGICORN BEETLE FROM ARABIA. 

 BY D. SHARP, M.B. 



The pretty little Cartallum ehulinum is one of the commoner 

 Longicorns in the Mediterranean region, and it is of interest as being 

 hitherto without any congener, or without any nearly allied genus. 

 I have found amongst the last Coleoptera sent by Dr. Millingen frpm 



