230 JELLY-FISH, STAR-FISH, AND SEA-URCHINS. 
the motion of the whole body which ensues is 
totally different from that of an ordinary locomotor 
contraction—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 strength I found 
to be 1 in 2500, in which solution the poisoned half 
required to soak for half an hour. 
L also tried the effect of this poison on the covered- 
eyed Medusz, 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 again restored to normal sea-water, the effects 
of curare pass off with the same rapidity as is 
observable in the case of the other poisons which 
I have tried, Thus, although an exposure of half 
an hour to the influence of curare of the strength 
named is requisite to destroy the motor power in 
the case of Staurophora laciniata, half a minute is 
sufficient to ensure its incipient return when the 
animal is again immersed in unpoisoned water. 
