( 198 ) 



From thefe particulars it is apparent* 

 that the fhock is produced by an emif- 

 miffion of torporific, or eledtric parti- 

 cles. 



That their emiffion is voluntary, de- 

 pending on the will of the animal, who 

 emits them for his defence, either when 

 touched or enraged. 



That the exiftence of thefe particles 

 depends on that of the Eel, and teTfhi- 

 nates with its life. And 



That they are equally emitted from 

 every part of the body. 



From whence it is felf-evident, that 

 either the mechanifm and properties of 

 the Torpedo and thofe of the Torporific 

 Eel are widely different, or that Monf, 

 de Reaumur has amufed the world with 

 an imaginary hypothefis ; and, from my 



own 



