On the Phosphorescence of Marine Invertebrata. 203 
by observation alone. 1 hope that the experiments which 
form the subject of the latter part of this memoir will reply to all 
With Ehrenberg I had learned to see in the phosphorescence 
of the Annelids and Ophiura which I have examined, an action 
essentially vital; but I cannot regard this action as strictly con- 
fined, either to the organs or the functions of generation, as the 
learned naturalist of Berlin considers it. I find, it is true, in Te- 
viewing my notes, that one of the Polynée which best exhib- 
ited the phosphorescence was filled with Zoospermes in full ma- 
turity, but many other Annelids among those which I have stud- 
led Were not in that state. Even in admitting that the light 
4 2Y be most brilliant at the period of gestation, I should regard 
fact as merely a coincidence arising from the increase of vital 
snetgy which is thus very plainly manifested ‘by all these ani- 
mals. Besides, in. the Ophiura, the independence of the light 
and the generative organs is very evident, since the sparks are 
sen only along the arms, and the reproductive organs are en- 
Closed in the body, whose walls are very thick. 
M. Ehrenberg first made known the fact that the phosphores- 
Celice of Annelids, etc., always results from a combination of mi- 
M0scopic sparks, Here my observations accord entirely with his, 
care compared these little flashes to those which are pro- 
eed from a ‘tableau fulminant’ which has been charged from an 
“€ctrical machine. ; 
_ But M. Ehrenberg has described in the Polynée a special organ 
ere we diff n 
the Svlle and the other little Nereids which have been the sub- 
mae Ptesent this phenomenon. I have seen moreover, some 
“Si and in this case the comparison to a thread of burning sul- 
TiS striking and just. This is the appearance to the nake 
Re : but under the magnifying glass, this thread is divided into 
ee Fange of luminous points corresponding to the feet. 
* am far from denying that certain animals may have organs 
eed with secreting light as certain fishes possess those for se- 
“ting electricity ; but up to this time I have never seen 
