PREFACE 



of simple staining procedures, based on a deliberate and logical 

 selection of dyes after consideration of their known chemical 

 and physical properties, to supplant, and with better results, 

 more complicated and time-consuming methods. 



It should be made clear that no attempt is made in this book 

 to teach the histologist or the pathologist his work. Indeed, I do 

 not presume to be qualified to do so. I regard myself not as a 

 practising histologist, but as an organic chemist with a specialized 

 knowledge of biological stains, and with an awareness of some 

 of the problems and requirements of the biologist and medical 

 laboratory worker. 



It is hoped that this book, particularly if used in conjunction 

 with my last one, Encyclopaedia of Microscopic Stains, may 

 provide fresh ideas and suggest new ways of approach to some 

 of the problems facing medical and biological workers in the 

 laboratory, whether they happen to be engaged in research or 

 routine projects. 



I wish to pay tribute to the excellent library facilities of the 

 Royal Microscopical Society, London, which has been of consid- 

 erable help to me. I also wish to place on record my grateful 

 thanks to my wife, Mrs. F. P. Gurr, B.Sc, for her patience and 

 forbearance during the writing of this book, which like all its pre- 

 decessors was to have been the last from my typewriter! To her 

 also are due my thanks for helpful criticism of the script and for 

 the encouragement she has given me. I am also indebted to 

 another very good friend, Mr. W. Leonard Hill, the chairman 

 of Leonard Hill Ltd. and Leonard Hill (Books) Ltd., the pub- 

 lishers. The production staff of Leonard Hill (Books) Ltd., 

 and the printers, J. W. Arrowsmith Ltd., of Bristol, are, I 

 feel, to be congratulated on the meticulous care they have 

 exercised in the handling of the typescript. 



My special thanks are due to my friend and counsellor, Pro- 

 fessor Michael MacConaill, M.R.I.A,, of the Department of 

 Anatomy, University College, Cork, on whose wisdom I have 

 freely drawn. I count it a privilege to serve as a member of his 

 staff. He has been a source of inspiration to me, with his un- 

 selfishness and sympathetic understanding. 



My acknowledgements are also due to Miss Finula O'Donovan, 

 B.A., Secretary, Department of Anatomy, University College, 

 Cork, for the vast amount of typing performed by her in recording 



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