Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-08-12
By DR.. w. II. Ballou, D.. Sc.

area under suspicion, casting out from
time to time shells which would burst and
illuminate undcrseas just as the star shells
Of the trenches are sent up to illuminate the
dark "No Mans Land" between them. AS
this light cannot be extinguished by water,
fulness in this way can be readily seen.
1t is, in fact, hoped soon to have sufficient
natural product in stock to furnish at least
a few submarines with deep water eyes for
under sea fighting, For the purpose Of gath
ering and utilizing the natural pigment, the
War Board will be asked to appropriate a
sufficient sum. Deep sea travis will be re-
CURED, preferably steam trawlers, and a
force of men workers required to separate
the pigment needed from the fish and other
animals. 1t is believed that a special section
of the Navy and Bureau of Fisheries will
be created for this work, and closely asso-
ciated with the manufacture of submarines.
Until this is done, there is no method avail
able to transfer submarine hunting on the
surface to the depths below.
The light we get at high cost from electric
and gas plants represents only Is per cent
of the energy expended. The cold light of
lower animals and plants, the experimental
lists have found, represents SO per cent pure
light. The cold light requires no equipment
OF furnaces, mains or wires to disseminate
1T. Enough pigment can be carried in the
vest pocket to supply the lighting needs of
the individual.
Professor Harvey obtained the largest
quantit.' of luminous pigment of any known
species from a small fish found in Japanese
waters. The name of the species will be
held a secret during the war. His analysis
of the pigment of this fish showed that it's
luminous substance can be kept sealed in
definitely as fresh as in the body of the
living fish. This is accomplished by drying
1T and then sealing it in vacuum tubes.
When released from the tube, moistened and
exposed to oxygen, it gives off a clear, blu
lsh, phoSphorescent flame. Professor Harvey
is confident that this fsh's pigment can be
readily manufactured when funds are pro.
vided.
The substance is so powerful that it was
visible as water was added up to 1,7O0, 900
times its bulk. The small amount necessary
to produce a clear, soft glow, assures its
cheapness and efficiency. In the fish itself
it is used for indirect lighting rather than
concentrated glare. The fish in question is
vested with miniature lenses, and rehectors
which focus and intensity the light.
Professor Uric Dahlgren has issued many
papers on the production of light by ami
mails, through the journal of the Franklin
Institute. From these it is possible to take
some interesting instances:
"There are five higher types of worms
that produce chief luminosity. OF these
some of the polynoid worms furnish a very
strong, efficient, and highly specialized light
ing system. Their light proceeds from the
elytra, or scales, when the animal is irri-
tated. When a drop or two of hydrochloric
acid is poured in the water, a very intense
light follows, a strong flash, followed by a
weak but lasting display. Alkaloids in a less
degree and acids in a greater degree intensity
the light of these worms.
Copyrig