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XXXIX. An Account of the Gymnotus EIe(?i:ricus.. 
By John Hunter, F. R. S* 
Redde, Mayii,r-j-^ Q WALSH, the firft difcoverer of 
animal electricity, the learned will be 
indebted for whatever the following pages may contain, 
either curious or ufeful. The fpecimen of the animal 
which they defcribe was procured by that Gentleman,, 
and at his requeft this dilTeCtion was performed, and 
this account: of it is communicated.. 
This fifh, on the firlt view, appears very, much 
like an eel, from which refemblance it has moft pro- 
bably got its- name; but it has none of the Ipecific 
properties of that fifh.. This animal may be confider- 
ed, both anatomically^: and phyliologically, as divided 
into- two parts ; viz. the common animal part; and 
a part which is fuperadded^, viz, peculiar organ. 
I fliall at prefent conlider it only with refpeCt to the 
laft; as the firft explains nothing relating to the other,, 
nor any thing, relating to the animal oeconomy of fifii 
in generah The firft,.. or common animal part, is 
fo contrived as to exceed, what: was neceffary for itfelf, 
in order to give fituation, mourifliment, and moft pro- 
bably the peculiar property to the fecond.. The lalf 
part, or pecuhar. organ, has an immediate connexion 
with the firft ; the body afibrdihg it a fituation ; the 
heart, nouriftiment ; ■ and the brain, nerves and probably 
its peculiar, powers. For the firft of thefe purpofes, 
the body is extended out in length, being much longer 
G g g 3’ than 
