83 PHOSPHORESCENCE. 
causing contractions, is parallelled by electrical currents of moderate 
tension, which can cause precisely the same results. Nerve force is 
therefore akin in its nature and properties to electricity. In the 
case of the Torpedo Electric Ray, the Gymnotus or Electric Eel, and 
the Melapterurus or Sheath Fish of Tropical Africa, electricity is both 
produced and discharged, and there is no doubt whatever that it Is 
electricity. Now, it is conceivable that where two forms of energy 
are so closely allied as nerve force and electricity, that the former 
may be produced in excess of the ordinary demands of the nervous 
and muscular organisation of certain creatures—if so, is it too much 
to look for some exhibition of electricity in a tangible form @ 
The electrical fishes quoted shew an arrangement of organs 
which, if not clearly understood in their details, stand nevertheless 
revealed as what is practically a storage battery, plates or cylindrical 
cells, or both, supplied with abundant nerves, and so the matter is 
almost beyond yea or nay that a large amount of nerve force is 
finding its ultimate expression in electrical energy, and that possibly 
through very simple phases of change. There isa curious and rather 
interesting fact about the torpedo. When it discharges, giving the 
strong electrical shock, it is seen to depress its unpromising-looking 
eyes. ‘This betokens an effort, which is, in all likelihood, a voluntary 
one. All the electrical fishes require time to re-accumulate electricity 
after a few discharges. 
Now, is it possible that living things able to accumulate 
electricity could convert it into light? This is practically the second 
question asked just now, in a slightly different form. Perhaps the 
best answer to this is afforded by shewing some consecutive experi- 
ments, and drawing such inferences as we may. Glowing phosphorus, 
luminous paint, heated fluor-spar, etc. Electrical discharges in 
free air, accompanied by steady glow, flashes, or scintillations; 
to which the so-called ‘“‘ Brush” discharge is akin; whilst the 
lights on the masts and spars of vessels in a highly-charged electrical 
atmosphere—known as St. Elmo’s fires—and the auroral discharge, 
