in ichthyology, a genus of fishes belonging to the order of apodes. They have two Gymnotus tentacula at the upper lip; the eyes are covered with the common skin; there are five rays in the membrane of the gills; the body is compressed, and carinated on the belly with a fin. There are five species, the most remarkable of which is the electricus, or electric eel, called by the French anguille tremblante. This species is peculiar to Surinam; and is found in the rocky parts of the river, at a great distance from the sea. The most accurate description we have of this fish is in the Philosophical Transactions for 1775, where Alex. Garden, M.D., gives an account of three of them brought to Charlestown in South Carolina. The largest was about three feet eight inches in length, and might have been from 10 to 14 inches in circumference about the thickest part of its body. The head was large, broad, flat, and smooth; impressed here and there with holes, as if perforated with a blunt needle, especially towards the sides, where they were more regularly ranged in a line on each side. There were two nostrils on each side; the first large, tubular, and elevated above the surface; the others small, and level with the skin. The eyes were small, flattish, and of a bluish colour, placed about three quarters of an inch behind the nostrils. The whole body, from about four inches below the head, was clearly distinguished into four longitudinal parts or divisions. The upper part or back was of a dark colour, and separated from the other parts on each side by the lateral lines. These lines took their rise at the base of the head, just above the pectoral fins, and run down the sides, gradually converging as the fish grew smaller to the tail. The second division was of a lighter and clearer colour than the first, inclining to blue. It seemed to swell out on each side; but towards the under part it is again contracted and sharpened into the third part or carina. This part is easily distinguished from the other two by its thinness, its apparent laxness, and by the reticulated skin of a more grey and light colour, with which it is covered. The carina begins about six or seven inches below the base of the head; and, gradually deepening or widening as it goes along, reaches down to the tail, where it is thinnest. The fourth part is a long, deep, soft, and wavy fin, which takes its rise about three or four inches at most below the head; and thus runs down the sharp edge of the carina to the extremity of the tail. The situation of the anus was very singular; being an inch more forward than the pectoral fins. Externally it seemed to be a pretty large rima; but the formed excrements were only the size of a quill of a common dung-hill-fowl. There were two pectoral fins situated just behind the head, scarcely an inch in length; of a very thin, delicate consistence, and orbicular shape. They seemed to be chiefly useful in supporting and raising the head of the fish when he came up to breathe; which he was obliged to do every four or five minutes. Across the body were a number of small bands, annular divisions, or rather rings of the skin. By means of these the fish seemed to partake of the vermicular nature, had the power of lengthening or shortening its body like a worm, and could swim backwards as well as forwards, which is another property of the vermicular tribe. Every now and then it laid itself on one side in the water, as if to rest.—For an account of the singular properties of this fish, see Electricity, no 255. Gynæceum - GYNÆCEUM, among the ancients, the apartment of the women, a separate room in the inner part of the house, when they employed themselves in spinning, weaving, and needle-work.