188 Miscellanies. 



probably of the same kind as those presented by sea water when agita- 

 ted. A little chain of gold, however, composed of sixty double rings, 

 transmitted the shock ; which appeared to prove that air is not im- 

 permeable to the electricity of the torpedo. Fine silver wires, inter- 

 rupted by a solution of common salt, having been placed in the cir- 

 cuit, small bubbles of air appeared around the point communicating 

 with the inferior surface of the torpedo; but none appeared on the 

 opposite point ; these silver wires having been replaced by wires of 

 gold, gas was disengaged from both extremities, but in greater quan- 

 tity and smaller bubbles from the inferior than the superior. With 

 a strong solution of nitrate of silver, the inferior point became black, 

 and only two or three bubbles were collected, while the superior 

 point remained bright, and was surrounded by a great number of 

 bubbles. Similar results, but less distinct, were obtained by the use of 

 a solution of the super-acetate of lead. 



The rest of the memoir is devoted to a detailed description of the 

 anatomical structure of the electrical organs of the torpedo, and of the 

 muscles which surround them. The tissue of the columnar parts of 

 these organs appears to be homogeneous, with the exception of some 

 fibres, which are probably nervous fillets, and which are found in 

 these parts. A great quantity of water, which may be dispelled by 

 evaporation, enters into their composition ; their spontaneous changes 

 are slower than those of muscles. They are not susceptible of con- 

 traction under any of the ordinary stimulants, not even under the 

 shock of a voltaic battery, applied, either to the organ itself, or to 

 any of the nerves which encompass it. 



The author concludes from this, that these organs are not muscu- 

 lar, but that their columns are formed of tendinous or nervous fibres, 

 filled with a gelatinous fluid. 



The anatomical part is terminated by the description of the origin, 

 course and distribution of the nerves which belong to the electrical 

 organs. The author finds that the gastric nerves are derived from 

 them and hazards the conjecture that the superabundant electricity 

 may, when not required for the defence of the animal, be directed 

 to the stomach to assist digestion. In support of this hypothesis, 

 be cites the example of a torpedo, which, while living, had been fre- 

 quently excited to give shocks, and in the stomach of which was 

 found, after death, a little fish not at all digested. The secretion of 

 mucus was also, either suppressed, or considerably diminished in 

 this animal. The gills being supplied with branches of the electric- 



