SECT. XXIX. ELECTRICAL FISH. 311 



the decomposition of water, has power sufficient to make magnets, 

 gives very severe shocks and the electric spark. It is identical 

 in kind with that of the galvanic battery, the electricity of the 

 under surface of the fish being the same with the negative pole, 

 and that in the upper surface the same with the positive pole. 

 Its manner of action is, however, somewhat different ; for, 

 although the evolution of the electricity is continued for a sen- 

 sible time, it is interrupted, being communicated by a succession 

 of discharges. 



