The Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1869-1872, 1869-11-06
Electricity the Vital Fore..

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The science of Chemistry has done much
OF late to define the character of the subtle
element OF nature, yet there remains much
underlined and probably undefnable. A con-
troversy has existed for long time between
psychologists and electricians as TO the nature OF
the vital force of the animal economy. While
the latter contend this force is but a condition
Of electricity, the former deny the identity of
the two.
1t is an admitted fact that there is n vital
pr1nciple peryading every species and variety
| OF the animal kingdom, without which II
could not exist. Our object is not only to
show the analogy existing between it and COM
mon electricity, but further to prove the iden-
uty OF the two. This power is so distinctively
defined in some of the lower animals, that
there can be no mistaking its identity Sew
eral species of fishes are now known to scien-
ihc men to possess electrical power to u re-
Fmarkable degree. - $50.
The torpedo is n fish of enormous muscular
and nervous power, having incorporated in
his body well defined battery capable of
emitting tremendous shocks. The gymnotus,
or American eel, is from five to six feet long
and the most powerful electric fish yet discoy-
cred. This dread monster of the deep coils
himself up in the mud, and gathers around
him school of small fishes. BY his electri-
cal discharge he renders them powerless and
devours them at pleasure.
The eel is constructed upon the plan of the
Noltaic battery or pile. lie has ninety-six Sc
mes of tubes or piles arranged horizontally
from head 10 tail. These tubes contain an al
luminous fluid, highly saturated with saline
matter. This natural animal battery is con-
nccted with bundles of nerves proceeding
from the brrin; and distributed throughout
the electrical apparatus in multitudinous rami-
tcations. Ordinarily, this fish presents no
more signs of electricity than Noltlic bat
terry, Mt rest; but when IL is excited its power
seems almost unlimited. Then full grasp
10y the hand, of the monster has been known
to destroy human life. and even the horse has
been killed by it's voluntary shocks. A close
inspection of the physiological structure of
man discloscs perfect VOltaic battery or pile
And the arrangement of its solids and fluids
IL peculiarly fitted TO the generation and dis
charge of electricity. To the brain, spinal
cord, and great sympathetic may bc traced the
source Of electrical power. The brain is the
prime battery or reservoir Of electromagnetic
ism, excited at the pleasure Of the voluntary
mind. BY means of the multitudinous rami-
iications of nerves, perfect system of tele-
graphing Is established throughout the entire
organism. These nerves, both in the motar
and sensitive, pOlariZe with the brain, produc-
ing direct ana reflex action. Through this
medium, both motion and sensation are com
muniCatcd.
1t is III fact the direct source Of all mental
OF things and phenomena. The proof in ref
erence Ia man electrical identity are so in
c"ntrovcrtlble that no intelligent Psychologist
or naturalist can doubt that the vital force of
the body is electricity. II is n demonstrable
fact that currents of electricity are constantly
passing through the human system. So strik-
inglyis this illustrated that, in some instances
grasp Of the hand will transmit an electric
shock pcrccpihle to the elbow. positive
hand laid upon negative brain is frequently
unh"anblc, causing sensation similar to that
made by an electric machine. The sparks, cx-
t"rnal, and the cracking of the body 80 pcrccp-
tiblc at times, are but electrical PHENOMENA
This vital principle Is so identified in certain
persons that gas will ignite 10y contact with the
tips Of their fingers. The same illumination
can be accomplished by every one if insulated
and charged with electricity, which only in
creascs the volume of that already in the
body. Further proof il given i'll paralysis or
loss of power in the limbs. which can he
traced to an absence of the vital force. In
this connection, if the pnralyZed organ be
placed in an electric circuit. its vitality is re-
established No stronger proof can be given
of their samcucss, than i'll the direct substitu-
tiOn of one for the othcr.-T Telegraph JOrHdI.