of the Proteus Anguinus. 9 



With regard to the faculties of sense, those of hearing and 

 seeing appear to be very weak ; but those of touch and of smell, 

 particularly the latter, exquisitely acute. When some small 

 fishes were put into the vessel containing a proteus, it was amu- 

 sing to see the animal direct his snout towards his prey, though 

 he could not possibly see it, and afterwards seize it with the 

 greatest celerity when a fish passed near him. But it may be 

 asked, if the sense of sight be so weak, why is it that this ani- 

 mal so anxiously avoids^ the light.? It is probable that the con- 

 stant desire of obscurity arises from the painful action of light, 

 not on the eye, but on the skin. From the experiments, how- 

 ever, of Sig. Rudolphi, it appears that this animal may in time 

 be brought to bear the presence of light. 



In a future communication, I propose to exhibit a general 

 sketch of the anatomy of this animal, more particularly of its cir- 

 culating and respiratory organs, illustrated by a few figures from 

 the beautiful engravings with which the authors have adorned 

 their work. 



Edinbuegh, ) 



January 20. 1821. j 



