THK TUJI'MIMI OF LIFE 



snatches from his abyss bursts exactly the same 

 for it has just as mathematically adjusted it- 

 self to the colossal pressure of the water in the 

 depths. The capacity of life to give light tha\ 

 in the glowing ocean above merely bids defiance 

 to the shoi-t astronomical night serves here be- 

 low as an actual substitute for the sun. Yonder 

 shining fish glows not merely with its whole 

 skin, it has created especial light organs for it- 

 self. That profound saying of Goethe's that the 

 eye could not see were it not itself "radiant" has 

 here found a wonderful exposition. In the case 

 of yonder black fishes, that like gnomes slip past 

 with httle blue lanterns in their hats, there is 

 placed in fact near behind each "seeing eye" a 

 distinct "illuminating eye." The large real eye 

 peers out, but what signifies this gazing in the 

 absolute deep sea night? There flames out be- 

 hind it the 'Ruminating eye. It shines with a 

 blue gleam beyond the "seeing eye" and like a 

 searchlight throws a band of light into the sty- 

 gian black water. The dimly illuminated out- 

 lines of objects suddenly appear. The see- 

 ing eye is able to act, to perceive, — it sees.. It 

 is the same will that peers and examines and that 

 also releases the light. From the same central 

 place, the brain of the fish, the nerv^e of sight 

 goes to the eye, and a more direct nerve to the 

 light organ. Within, this organ is constructed 

 almost exactly like an eye. It has a concave 

 33' 



