266 THE TORPEDO. 



shock is perceived if the animal is touched with a key 

 or any other conducting body. 



6. " When the torpedo was placed upon a metallic 

 plate, so that the interior surface of its organ touched 

 the metal, the hand which supported the plate felt no 

 shock, although the animal was irritated by another 

 insulated person, and when it was obvious, from the 

 convulsive motion of its pectoral fins, that it was in a 

 state of powerful action. 



7. " If a person, on the contrary, support with his 

 left hand the torpedo placed on a metallic plate, and if 

 he touches with his right hand the upper surface of the 

 electric organ, a violent commotion will be felt in both 

 his arms atthe same instant. 



8. " A similar shock will be received, if the fish is 

 placed between two metallic plates, the edges of which 

 do not touch, and if a person applies a hand to each 

 plate at the same instant. 



9. " If, under the circumstances of the preceding 

 experiments, there is a connexion between the edges 

 of the plates, no shock will be experienced, as a com- 

 munication is now formed between the two surfaces of 

 the organ. 



10. " The organs of the torpedo do not affect the 

 most delicate electrometer. Every method was tried 

 in vain, of communicating electricity to the condenser 

 of Volta. 



11. "A circle of communication being formed by a 

 number of persons between the upper and under sur- 

 faces of the organs, they received no shock till their 

 hands were moistened with water. The shock was 

 equally felt when two persons, who had their right 



