X. The colour-physiology of higher crustacea

Abstract

The chromatophores of Crustacea present many problems physiological and morpho­logical. The first attempt to formulate these problems, and, by experimental methods, to solve them, is due to Pouchet. His Memoir, ‘Changements de Coloration sous l’influence des nerfs,’ is a classic of biological literature. It forms the basis of our present knowledge of the colour-physiology of Crustacea. The scope of Pouchet’s work is very wide. It includes the histology of the chromatophores, the chief chemical reactions of the more common pigments, the phenomena of pigment-movement under various extrinsic stimuli, such as light, electricity and drugs, the analysis of the effective light-factor, and experimental proof of the mode of action of this factor. These investigations were carried out chiefly onPalærnon serratusandCrangon vulgaris; of other forms, young lobsters andHippolytewere occasionally employed.