SECTION OF NAKED-EYED MEDUSA 117 
of the latter is rendered possible, other connections 
between these organs remain which are not in any 
wise radial. I therefore next tested the degree in 
which these non-radial connections might be cut 
without causing destruction of that excitational 
continuity of a lower order which it is their func- 
tion to maintain. It will here suffice to record one 
mode of section which has yielded definite results. 
A glance at the accompanying illustration (Fig. 23) 
will show the manner in which the Medusa is pre- 
rates ____ LT y 
as 
Fig. 23. 
pared. The margin having been removed (in order to 
prevent possible conduction by the marginal nerve- 
fibres), a single deep radial cut (a @) is first made, and 
then a circumferential cut (a, 5, c) is carried nearly 
all the way round the base of the manubrium. In 
this way the nectocalyx, deprived of its margin, is 
converted into a continuous band of tissue, one of 
the ends of which supports the manubrium. Now 
it is obvious that this mode of section must be very 
trying to nervous connections of any kind subsist- 
