424 THE CHEMISTRY OF CREATION. 



decomposition. Sometimes it exists in very large 

 proportions in sea-water. M. de Tessan ob- 

 served in the sea, near the Cape of Good Hope, 

 a very singular instance of this kind. Innu- 

 merable minute spherical bodies filled the water, 

 and thickened it to such a degree as to give rise 

 to a faint crackling sound on its being agitated 

 with the hand. Some of this water, when 

 strained through a cloth, left half its bulk of this 

 organic matter. In all probability this matter 

 consisted chiefly of the bodies of animalcules. It 

 was highly phosphorescent. 



A very interesting question upon ocean che- 

 mistry is connected with this organic matter, 

 and is now awaiting the decision of investigators 

 into this neglected study. Among the several 

 causes of the phosphorescence of the sea, it 

 might have been mentioned that it appeared 

 occasionally due to the presence of organic par- 

 ticles soon about to become putrid. It is con- 

 sidered by many, and among others by the cele- 

 brated microscopical observer, Ehrenberg, that 

 the phosphorescence of the sea is at all times 

 chiefly attributable to the existence of organic 

 matter in this condition. 



The following singular account of a large 

 luminous spot in the sea, observed by Captain 

 F. Eardley Wilrnot, deserves attention. On his 

 voyage home from the Cape of Good Hope, in 



