Turning now to the covered-eyed division of the Medusæ, I find, in
all the species I have come across, that excision of the margins of
umbrellas produces an effect analogous to that which is produced by
excision of the margins of swimming-bells. There is an important
difference, however, between the two cases, in that the paralyzing
effect of the operation on umbrellas is neither so certain nor so
complete as it is on swimming-bells. That is to say, although in the
majority of experiments such mutilation of umbrellas is followed
by immediate paralysis, this is not invariably the case; so that
one cannot here, as with the naked-eyed Medusæ, predict with any
great confidence what will be the immediate result of any particular
experiment. Further, although such mutilation of an umbrella is
usually followed by a paralysis as sudden and marked as that which
follows such mutilation of a swimming-bell, the paralysis of the
former differs from the paralysis of the latter, in that it is very
seldom _permanent_. After periods varying from a few seconds to half
an hour or more, occasional weak and unrhythmical contractions begin
to manifest themselves, or the contractions may even be resumed with
but little apparent change in their character and frequency. The
condition of the animal before the operation, as to general vigour,
etc., appears to be one factor in determining the effect of the
operation; but this is very far from being the only factor.
Upon the whole, then, although in the species of covered-eyed Medusæ
which I have as yet had the opportunity of examining, the effects
which result from excising the margins of umbrellas are such as
to warrant me in saying that the main supply of locomotor centres
appears to be usually situated in that part of these organs, these
effects are nevertheless such as to compel me at the same time to
conclude that the locomotor centres of the covered-eyed Medusæ are
more diffused or segregated than are those of the naked-eyed Medusæ.
Lastly, it should be stated that all the species of covered-eyed
Medusæ resemble all the species of naked-eyed Medusæ, in that their
members will endure any amount of section it is possible to make
upon any of their parts other than their margins without their
spontaneity being in the smallest degree affected.
_Effects of excising Certain Portions of the Margins of Nectocalyces._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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