PLATE LIIL 
the electric fluid. The bodies which intercept the action of the 
one, intercept likewise the action of the other. The effects pro- 
duced by the Torpedo, resemble in every respect a weak elec- 
tricity. This exhibition of the electric powers of the Torpedo, 
before the academy of La Rochelle, was at a meeting, held for 
the purpose, in my apartments on the 22d of July, 1772, and 
stands registered in the journals of the academy.” 
Mr. Walsh further states, in relating this affair to the Royal 
Society of London, that the effect of the animal in these experi- 
ments, was transmitted through as great an extent and variety of 
conductors, as almost at any time he 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 cur experiments had been almost wholly with the animal in 
• air : that its action in the water was a capital desideratum : that in- 
deed, all as yet done, was little more than opening the door to in- 
quiry : that much remained to be examined by the electrician, as 
well as the anatomist : that as artificial electricity had thrown light 
upon the operations of the Torpedo, 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 expel 
cnced from the animal ; but it was imitated widi artificial electricity* 
and shewn to be producible by a quick consecution of minute shocks* 
