[2241] But, as Hardouin remarks, this act on the part of the fish is caused as much by the water as the air.
[2242] As Hardouin remarks, this is a somewhat singular notion that sleep is produced by the action of the lungs.
[2243] Hardouin asks, what this has to do with the question about the air which Pliny is here discussing? and then suggests that his meaning may possibly be, that the moon has an influence on bodies through the medium of the air, in accordance with the notion of the ancients that the respiration was more free during the time of full moon. Littré says, that Pliny’s meaning is, that since the influence of the moon is able to penetrate the waters, the air and the vital breath can of course penetrate them also.
[2244] See B. x. c. [89], where this subject is further discussed.
[2245] “Infectum aera.”
[2246] See Aristotle, De Part. Anim. B. iv. c. 13, and Hist. Anim. B. viii. c. 2.
[2247] Aristotle, Hist. Anim. B. i. c. 5.
[2248] Cuvier remarks, that these nostrils, or vent-holes, are placed somewhat further back on the head in the dolphin than in the whale; but at the same time they cannot be said to be situate on the back of the animal.
[2249] Or “seals.” They will be further mentioned in c. 15 of the present Book.
[2250] Or “turtles,” which are more fully described in c. 21 of this Book.