170 Dr. Hulme's Experiments and Observations 



OBSERVATIONS. 



Obs. 1. The above experiments clearly prove, as I apprehend, 

 that this light is a constituent principle of marine fishes : and that 

 it is separated, by the menstruum employed on this occasion, in 

 the same way that the principles of any other body are sepa- 

 rated, by the menstruum fitted to decompose it. They like- 

 wise show, that it is not partially but wholly incorporated 

 with every part of their substance, and makes a part thereof, in 

 the same manner as any other constituent principle. 



Obs. 2. Light is probably the first constituent principle that 

 escapes, after the death of marine fishes. The experiments of 

 the first Section teach us that it appears soon after death, even 

 in fishes which, to the eye, seem quite fresh and sweet ; or, at 

 least, long before any sensible putrescence takes place. And 

 we have seen that the flesh and roes, infused in the saline men- 

 struums, continued to emit light for several days, without un- 

 dergoing any apparent putrefactive change. 



Obs. 3. The experiments likewise render it probable, that no 

 offensive putrefaction takes place in the sea, after the death of 

 such myriads of animals as must needs daily perish in the vast 

 ocean, (quite contrary to what happens on land;) and that the 

 flesh of marine fishes remains pretty sweet for some time, and 

 may become wholesome food for many kinds of those which still 

 remain alive. An eminent instance this, of the wisdom of the 

 Creator, in the construction of the aqueous part of the world, 

 which comprehends, by far, the greatest portion of the terra- 

 queous globe, and is the most replete with animal life ! 



