of animal Secretions. 39 1 
the blood, the different parts of which it is composed, and 
forming new combinations of the parts so separated. 
3d. That the structure of the nerves may fit them to have 
a low electrical power, which can be employed for that pur- 
pose, and as such low powers are not influenced by imperfect 
conductors, as animal fluids, the nerves will not be robbed of 
their electricity by "the surrounding parts. 
4th. That the discovery of an electrical power, which can 
separate albumen from the blood in a fluid state, and another 
that separates it in a solid state, may explain the mode in which 
different animal solids and fluids may be produced, since, 
according to Mr. Hatchett’s experiments, albumen is the 
principal material of which animal bodies are composed. 
5. That the nerves of the torpedo may not only keep the 
electric organ under the command of the will, but charge the 
battery, by secreting the fluid between the plates, that is ne- 
cessary for its activity. 
6 . As albumen becomes visibly coagulated, by the effect 
produced from twelve four inch double plates of copper and 
iron, a power much too low to affect even the most delicate 
electrometer, may not this be occasionally employed with ad- 
vantage as a chemical test of electricity, whilst the production 
of acid and alkali, affected by still inferior degrees of electricity 
to those required for the coagulation of albumen may like- 
wise be regarded as auxiliary tests on such occasions? 
If these facts and observations appear to the Society to throw 
any light upon the principle of secretion, it may be an advan^. 
tage to medical science, that they should be laid before the 
public, as hints for future inquiry. 
3 E 2 
