The Nature of Animal LightHarvey, E. Newton (Edmund Newton)
Science
The Nature of Animal Light
Harvey, E. Newton (Edmund Newton)
Phosphorescence
We know of no animal whose eyes, the organs, _par excellence_, of
photochemical change, give off light in the dark. All cases of luminous
eyes have been conclusively shown to be purely reflection phenomena. The
eyes of a cat only glow if some stray light is present which may enter
and be reflected out again. Photochemical reactions and chemiluminescent
reactions do have this in common, however, that they are largely but not
exclusively oxidations. Whether all photochemical changes in the eyes in
animals require oxygen or not, is unknown, but all animal
light-producing reactions, without exception, are oxidations, and light
is only produced if oxygen is present. Some material is oxidized.
In general, we may divide luminous organisms into two great classes
according as the oxidizable material is burned within the cell where it
is formed or is secreted to the exterior and is burned
outside--intracellular and extracellular luminescence. Many animals with
intracellular luminescence have quite complicated luminous organs. It is
an interesting fact that a great similarity may be observed between the
evolution of the complex organs of vision and of these complicated
organs. In the simplest unicellular forms certain structures within the
cell serve as the photochemical detectors of light, while in luminous
protozoa, similarly, granules scattered throughout the cell are oxidized
with light production. In the higher forms the eye contains groups of
photosensitive cells connected with afferent nerves, lenses, and
accessory structures for properly adjusting the light, while luminous
organs contain groups of photogenic cells in connection with efferent
nerves, lenses, and accessory structures for properly directing the
light. It is interesting to note that in the two groups where the eye
has attained its highest development, the cephalopods and vertebrates,
here also the luminous organ is found in greatest complexity and
perfection. In intermediate stages of evolution the eye and luminous
organ so closely approach each other in structure that it is still a
mooted question whether certain organs found in worms and crustacea are
intended for receiving or producing light.
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