ENDOSMOSE. 



LECT. III. 



rations hour by hour. We shall call the endosmometer, 

 in which the interior surface of the membrane was in con- 

 tact with the water, A ; and the one in which this surface is 

 towards the interior of the instrument, B. 



Endosmose through the S/dn of the Torpedo. 



Conclusions. We conclude, therefore, 



1st. That so long as the skin of the torpedo is fresh, en- 

 dosmose takes place in the usual manner, from the water 

 to the alcohol ; but invariably with this difference, that, 

 whilst the internal surface of the skin is in contact with the 

 water, the elevation is as 3, and, in the reverse position, 

 as 2. 



2dly. That while in the first position of the membrane 

 A, the force of endosmose remains constant for severa} 

 hours; in the second position B, the same force diminishes, 

 and after some time is extinguished. 



3dly. That, after a certain time, the direction of the 

 current changes, and is then from the alcohol to the water, 

 when the internal surface of the skin is turned towards the 

 alcohol ; whilst it remains constant in the contrary position 

 of the skin. 



We think that we ought to ascribe these peculiarities with 

 alcohol, to the chemical action which this liquid exercises 



