80 INTRODUCTION. 



animal to the transverse cartilage which divides 

 the thorax from the abdomen, and within these 

 limits they occupy the whole space between the 

 skin of the upper and under surface. Each organ 

 consists wholly of perpendicular columns, reaching 

 from the upper to the under surface, and varying 

 in their lengths according to the thickness of the 

 parts of the body where they are placed. Their 

 coats are very thin and transparent, closely con- 

 nected with each other by a kind of loose network 

 of tendinous fibres. The number of columns vary 

 in specimens according to size. John Hunter 

 found about four hundred and seventy in each 

 organ ; but in one of large size, so many as one 

 thousand one hundred and eighty-two were 

 counted ; and the whole are supplied with a very 

 ample plexus of nerves.* 



The Torpedo being the fish first known which 

 possessed this property, had the fame of the 

 immense benumbing power which it could exert 

 spread abroad. Experiments have proved, how- 

 ever, that the shocks could be withstood with 

 impunity, and that some other fishes possessed it 

 to a much greater extent. It can be communi- 

 cated through the water without contact ; and is 

 undoubtedly used in striking the prey which it 



* J. Hunter's Phil. Tran$. 



