[ 115 1 
the power of the torpedo by the known 
laws of electricity, and who knew how 
to imitate exactly the appearances afforded 
by this fifh, with the eleCtrical fluid. 
Some difficulties Hill remained but they 
were removed by the experiments of Mr. 
Cavendifh. 
Mr. Walffi likewife was the Arid who 
obtained the fpark from the gymnotus. 
Mr. Williamfon had obferved, that the 
fluid of the gymnotus could pafs ever a very 
fmall interruption of the chain, but was 
never fortunate enough to fee the fpark. 
Notwithffanding, he was convinced by his 
own experiments, that the fluid of the 
fifli was eleCfricity itfelf. “ As the fluid 
* 
(fays he) difeharged by the eel, affeCts the 
fame parts of the human body, that are 
affeCted by the electric fluid j as it excites 
fenfations perfectly fimilar ; as it kills or 
fluns animals in the fame manner; as it is 
conveyed by the fame bodies that convey 
I 2 the 
