280 JELLY-FISH, STAR-FISH, AND SEA-URCHINS. 



the motion of the whole body which ensues is 

 totally dilierent from that of an ordinary locomotor 

 conu^action — all parts folding together in one very 

 strong and long-protracted systole, after which the 

 diastole is very much slower than usual. Well, on 

 nipping any portion of the poisoned half of Stau- 

 rophora laciniata, this half remained absolutely 

 motionless, while the unpoisoned half, though far 

 away from the seat of irritation, immediately ceased 

 its normal contractions, and folded itself together in 

 the very peculiar and distinctive manner just de- 

 scribed. This observation was repeated a number 

 of times, and, when once the requisite strength of 

 the curare solution had been obtained, always with 

 the same result. The most suitable strenoth I found 

 to be 1 in 2500, in which solution the poisoned half 

 required to soak for half an hour. 



I also tried the effect of this poison on the covered- 

 eyed Medusje, and have fairly well satisfied myself 

 that its peculiar influence is likewise observable in 

 the case of this group, although not in nearly so 

 well-marked a manner. 



It has further to be stated that when the poisoned 

 half is ao'ain restored to normal sea-water, the effects 

 of curare pass olf with the same rapidity as is 

 observable in the case of tlie other poisons which 

 1 have tried. Thus, although an exposure of hall 

 an hour to the influence of curare of the strength 

 named is requisite to destroy the motor power in 

 the ease of Staurophora laciniata, half a minute is 

 sufficient to ensure its incipient return when the 

 animal is again immersed in unpoisoned water. 



