162 PHOSPHORESCENCE IN 
peculiar snapping noise accompanies this lght, 
which 1s owing simply to the production of a 
quantity of electric sparks. Similar instances of 
spontaneous production of light have been observed. 
on combing a woman’s hair, provided it be very 
dry, and the atmosphere devoid of moisture.* 
Bartholin gives an account of a lady in Italy, 
whom he designates as “ mulier splendens,’ whose 
bodyshonewith phosphoric radiations when shehtly 
rubbed with a piece of dry linen. 
A phenomenon, which might perhaps be termed 
subjective phosphorescence, occurs when injuries are 
received by the eye or the optic nerve (fig. 29). 
Fig, 29.+ 
Thus, when the head has been held down for some 
moments, sparks are often seen before the eyes 
on resuming an upright position. ‘These sparks 
* T have observed this frequently, but generally when a south- 
west wind is blowing, and the atmosphere highly electrical. 
+ Fig. 29, the human eye, showing the different membranes 
and the optic nerve. 
