292 LECTURE VI. ' 



bably induced. He has put up equal por- 

 tions of the brain and medulla spinalis of 

 the raia torpedo, and a more common ray 

 fish of equal size, so that they appear like 

 the front and back view of the same prepar-, 

 ation, in order to show the disproportion, 

 and the immense size of the nerves which 

 go to the electrical organs. How strange 

 and unexpected is this mode of defence and 

 assault, which probably palsies the prey or 

 assailant. Even the polype seems to have 

 a power of inflicting sudden death ; but by 

 what means, is not, I believe, ascertained. 

 The worm which it seizes, is swallowed 

 without resistance, or its struggles would 

 lacerate the tender body of its devourer. I 

 have thus, as briefly as possible, told you 

 what are the facts, and their arrangement, 

 which Mr. Hunter has exhibited, relative 

 to these parts of the animal economy in 

 general. 



An adherence to the chief object of 

 these lectures, which is to exhibit Mr. 

 Hunter's opinions relative to the principal 

 vital functions, has obliged me to hurry 



9 



