XV. Observations upon luminous animals

Abstract

The property which certain animals possess of emitting light, is so curious and interesting, that it has attracted the attention of naturalists in all ages. It was particularly noticed by Aristotle and Pliny amongst the ancients, and the publications of the different learned societies in Europe, contain numerous memoirs upon the subject. Notwithstanding the degree of regard bestowed upon the history of luminous animals, it is still very imperfect; the power of producing light appears to have been attributed to several creatures which do not possess it; some species which enjoy it in an eminent degree, have been imperfectly described or entirely unobserved; the organs which afford the light in certain animals have not been examined by dissection; and lastly, the explanations that have been given of the phenomena of animal light, are unsatisfactory, and in some instances palpably erroneous. As this subject forms an interesting part of the history of organized beings, I have for some years availed myself of such opportunities as occurred for its investigation. Having communicated the result of some of my researches to the Right Honourable Sir Joseph Banks, he immediately offered me his assistance with that liberality, which so eminently distinguishes him as a real lover of science. I am indebted to him for an inspection of the valuable journal he kept during his voyage with Captain Cook; for permission to copy the original drawings in his possession, of those luminous animals discovered in both the voyages of Cook; and for some notes upon the luminous appearance of the sea, that were presented to him by Captain Horsburg, whose accuracy of observation is already known to this learned Society.