chapter xi 



animals which give electric 

 shcm:;ks 



OF all the marvels of Natvire, none is more 

 remarkable than the power which enables 

 certain members of the Animal Kingdom to give 

 forth electric shocks. Although more than a 

 centmry has elapsed since Lugi Galvani discovered 

 the mysterious force called electricity, yet nobody 

 can say from whence it originates. We know 

 that it can be produced by means of machinery 

 and also by chemicals, and zoologists have dis- 

 covered the organs which the electric animals 

 employ for producing and discharging their current ; 

 but beyond that everything remains a secret, and 

 not even the greatest scientist can explain what 

 •electricity reaUy is. 



The electric eel (Oymnotus electricus) is one of 

 the best known of what may well be termed ' the 

 living batteries/ although, strictly speaking, it 

 is not an eel but a near relative of the cat-fish. 

 In general appearance, however, it resembles the 

 former on account of its long, vermicular body 



180 



