Page:Phosphor (1888).djvu/103

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Appendix.

Recent researches by Dr. Dubois on the Cucuyo (Pyrophorus Noctilucus) go to show that the light is evolved to a chemical process, and that the light-bearing organs retain their powers for some time—even when separated from the body—and that the application of water to these parts when dried sets up chemical reaction, a portion of the energy liberated appearing as light.

The above may elucidate in some degree the gradual paling of the phosphorescence after the death of the white female.