On the Phosphorescence of Marine Invertebrata. 201 
5th. The viscous humor which envelops and penetrates the 
les seems to, be especially susceptible of acquiring this com- 
municated light, which is constantly reinforced by friction, and 
reappears even when it seems to have ceased. ‘ 
May not the light emitted by living fishes, by Actinias, and 
by many other animals covered with mucosity, be sometimes 
merely communicated ? 
6th. The relations which exist between the production of light 
and the sexual functions are evident in the Coleoptera, although 
the connection of the small luminous sacs with the reproductive 
organs May remain concealed. With many marine hermaphro- 
dite animals, phosphorescence appears to be a means of defence 
7 S yet it is only among the Annelids, and of them only in 
the Photocharis that a peculiar phosphorescent organ has been dis- 
Covered ; it is external, tufted, frequently giving out light, similar 
of 
lore probably luminous, passively and in a secondary manner, 
although their minuteness and transparency have prevented ~ 
lar to the development of electricity, an act which being com- 
Pletel y individual, becomes more feeble and ceases on too fre- 
dent repetition, which reappears after a short interval of repose, 
er out on the open sea. This mode of phosphorescence may 
et artificially by washing or by crushing certain Mol- 
and calephs either in sea-water or in fres| . 2. Phosp or- 
Phetiesg results from the presence of certain living animals, en- 
Wed with a luminous mucus. This continues even after the 
Leuchien 2° Zu Zoologie, von P, J. F. Meyen, funtte 
A Uber das 
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