[ 1.14 3 
from a caufe different from that of the 
gymnotus, becaufe the torpedo does not 
emit fparks ; fo it would be equally abfurd 
to maintain, that the fluid of frogs, fowls, 
cats, dogs, &c. is not the fame as that of 
the torpedo and gymnotus, becaufe the for¬ 
mer neither gives fliocks, nor emits fparks. 
The principle is the fame. By means of 
this principle, all the effects may be ex¬ 
plained; confequently it would be contrary 
to the laws of phiiofophifing to admit of 
any other. 
If the principle is unique, it mu ft be 
electricity; for if we examine every fpecies 
of animal, we fhall meet with every cha¬ 
racter of this fluid. 
In fpeaking of the torpedo and gymno¬ 
tus, we cannot, without being guilty of 
injuftice, omit to mention the name of Mr. 
Walfti, nor refufe him an extenfive por¬ 
tion of merit. 
He was certainly the flrft who explained 
the 
