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On the Staining of Vegetable Tissues. 

 By W. H. Gilburt. 



(Read May 25th, 1877.J 



Histological study, whether animal or vegetable, is largely de- 

 pendent for success upon the methods employed in the preparation 

 of the subject under examination. 



Animal histology has now, for some time, occupied the attention, 

 and claimed the interest, of a great number of Microscopists ; doubt- 

 less, owing to the improved modes of preparation which have been 

 introduced into that department of research ; especially the various 

 processes of staining and injection. 



Vegetable histology, on the other hand, has, in England, been 

 almost neglected, possibly owing to the want of methods which could 

 differentiate the vegetable tissues, as perfectly as those employed 

 upon animal tissues. 



The want, however, is now in a fair way of removal, and conse- 

 quently we may hope that the subject will attract more students than 

 it has hitherto. 



To certain American Microscopists, belongs the honour (so far as I 

 know) of first devising the means for bleaching, and staining, parts 

 of plants, so as to render them transparent. 



The first notice we have of the subject in any English publication, 

 is in " Science Gossip," for January, 1875, by Dr. G. D. Beatty, of 

 Baltimore. Two other papers by this author appeared in the 

 same magazine, one in April, 1875, the other in May, 1876 ; the 

 last one giving the results of his experience up to that date. 



In the latter paper, which is by far the most complete, directions 

 are given for decolouring and staining leaves and sections in various 

 media, but chiefly in aniline colours. 



Another paper on this subject appeared in the " Monthly Micros- 

 copical Journal," for January, 1876, by Mr. M. H. Stiles, his method 

 differing slightly from that of Dr. Beatty ; the bleaching fluid being 

 different, and the strength of the staining fluids reversed. 



Now, by following Dr. Beatty 's process closely, we shall obtain 



