A curious discovery has followed Mr. Crookes's discovery of the
dynamic power of light. It is this,—that selenium, a metal or metalloid which, under certain peculiar treatment, acquires a very feeble power, even when kept in the dark, of transmitting the electric current, is made, by exposure to light, a conducting medium for the electric current far less inadequate, far more perfect than before. So that a very poor conductor of electricity becomes a good conductor of electricity under the influence of light. In other words, we suppose, a new dynamic effect of light —one exerted especially on the molecular structure of selenium— has really been discovered. Possibly, in the same way, light may be found to stimulate the conducting-power of the nerves. It is not a matter to have an opinion upon without exact measurements, but we fancy at least that some of our nerves appear to carry messages much more rapidly when exposed to light than they do in the dark.
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