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XV. Observations upon Luminous Animals. By J. Macartney, 
Esq. Communicated by Everard Home, Esq. F.R.S. 
Read May 17th, 1810. 
The property which certain animals possess of emitting light, 
is so curious and interesting, that it has attracted the attention 
of naturalists in all ages. It was particularly noticed by 
Aristotle and Pliny amongst the ancients, and the publica- 
tions of the different learned societies in Europe, contain 
numerous memoirs upon the subject. Notwithstanding the 
degree of regard bestowed upon the history of luminous 
animals, it is still very imperfect ; the power of producing 
light appears to have been attributed to several creatures 
which do not possess it ; some species which enjoy it in an 
eminent degree, have been imperfectly described or entirely 
unobserved; the organs which afford the light in certain 
animals have not been examined by dissection ; and lastly, the 
explanations that have been given of the phenomena of 
animal light, are unsatisfactory, and in some instances pal- 
pably erroneous. 
As this subject forms an interesting part of the history of 
organized beings. I have for some years availed myself of such 
opportunities as occurred for its investigation. Having com- 
municated the result of some of my researches to the Right 
Honourable Sir Joseph Banks, he immediately offered me his 
