TORPEDO RAY. 



303 



of conductors as almost at any time we had been 

 able to obtain it, and the experiments included 

 nearly all the points in which its analogy with the 

 Leyden phial had been observed. These points 

 were stated to the gentlemen present^ as were the 

 circumstances in which the two effects appeared to 

 vary. It was likewise represented to them, that 

 our experiments had been almost wholly with the 

 animal in air : that its action in water was a capital 

 desideratum : that indeed all as yet done was little 

 more than opening the door to inquiry : that much 

 remained to be examined by the electrician as well 

 as the anatomist : that as artificial electricity had 

 thrown hght on the natural operation of the Tor- 

 pedo, this might in return, if well considered, throw 

 light on artificial electricity ; particularly in those 

 respects in which they now seemed to differ. The 

 Torpedo in these experiments dispensed only the 

 distinct, instantaneous stroke, so well known by the 

 name of the electric shock. That protracted but 

 lighter sensation, that torpor or numbness which 

 he at times induces, and from which he takes his 

 name, was not then experienced from the animal ^ 

 but it was imitated with artificial electricity, and 

 shewn to be producible by a quick consecution of 

 minute shocks. This, in the Torpedo, may per- 

 haps be effected by the successive discharge of his 

 numerous cylinders, in the nature of a running fire 

 of musketry : the strong single shock may be his 

 general volley. In the continued effect, as well as 

 in the instantaneous, his eyes, which are usually 

 prominent, are withdrawn into their sockets." 

 V. V. p. II. 21 



