Experimctits on the Gymnotus Electricus. 99 



charge of the electrical phial, made to pass through 

 the fish, has the same effect. 



August 18th. Experiment 9. We again formed a 

 circuit, with a brass chain, wetted with water, two 

 persons holding it between them, whilst one of them 

 held a hand in the water, and the other touched the 

 fish. After several trials, in vain, we got a smart 

 shock to pass through it. This success encouraged 

 us to make 



Experiment 10. Mr. Kinnersly held a dry brass 

 chain, eighteen inches long, with one hand, and, with 

 the other, took hold of another person, who touched 

 the fish. A third person held the opposite end of the 

 chain, and put his other hand into the water. After 

 many trials, a violent shock passed through the cir- 

 cuit, and each person felt it, in both arms. We were 

 now satisfied, that a chain of wire would conduct a 

 shock from the fish, as well as from the electric phial, 

 provided the fish exerted this wonderful power as 

 strongly as he sometimes did ; for want of which we 

 were often disappointed ; the electric matter having an 

 opportunity of returning through the water to the 

 fish, as well as through the other conductors provided 

 for it. 



Experiment 11. We placed a coated phial in the 

 circuit, one person holding it by the coating, and an- 

 other by the hook, but could not obtain a shock 

 through it : perhaps for the reason above-mentioned. 



