PHOSPHORUS IN THE BRAIN. 109 



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are composed of the like constituents, only differing in their 

 relative proportions, and affording other compounds and their 

 consequent qualities, which it is not necessary here to describe. 

 In the analysis of the BRAIN, however, evidence has been 

 afforded of the fact, that phosphorus is a component part to the 

 extent of certain proportions, which are in themselves relative, 

 in a measure, to the sanative state and perfection of the t- 

 telle dual powers of the being from whom the brain may have 

 been taken ; and it has been supposed that when the quantity of 

 phosphorus fluctuates from 2 to 2^ per cent, of the brain, the 

 party was possessed of sound intellect ; while, when it exceeded 

 2^ and reached 3 per cent., there was a degree of eccentricity, 

 and at 4 to 4J complete insanity ; while, on the other hand, de- 

 scending to 1 J produced imbecility, and to 1 per cent, to the 

 gradation suitable to animals of the lower order. 



o 



The phosphorescent power of the glow-worm and the fire- 

 fly are well known, and that of the pyrosoma Atlantlca, as 

 described by M. Peron, observed by him in his voyage from 

 Europe to the Isle of France, is extraordinary and worthy of 

 notice. See Gurney's Lectures, pages 201, 209. By this it 

 would appear that a voluntary power exists in the pyrosoma 

 Atlantica to produce the phosphorescence to the surprising 

 extent described, at pleasure, for its protection and service. 

 These are instances of the production of LIGHT without being 

 accompanied by any degree of sensible heat ; and this may 

 arise from the facility of union afforded to the constituents of 

 light which are not obstructed or impeded in their progress 

 to combination, and therefore are not necessitated to submit to 

 that excitation and energy of action, which on most other 

 occasions produce the sensation of heat. 



Phosphorus may be obtained in. fine octohedral crystals, by 

 slow cooling in large quantity after fusion, as M. Trantween 

 describes. Doctor Turner mentions in his elaborate work, 

 " Elements of Chemistry," page 288, that the presence of 

 certain gaseous substances, even in 'minute quantities, has the 



