XXIII, 2. Huber: Method of preparlng large Numbers of Sections. 1^7 



On a rapid Methocl of preparing large Nuinbers 



of Sections. 



By 

 Prof. G. Carl Huber, 



Univeisity of Michigan. Ann Aibor, Mich. 



Witli two wood-cuts. 



Tlie preparation of sections used in the teaching of large 

 laboratory classes in liistology and embryology forms, so far as the 

 consumption of time is concerned , an ever increasing i)art of tlie 

 necessary work of the staff of such hiboratories. Any method, 

 therefore, that will lessen the number of necessary nianipulations of 

 the several staining procednres in general use , without invalidating 

 the results desired, it would seem, deserves consideration. The mere 

 cutting of large numbers of sections is very time consuming. The 

 introduction of paraftin embedding and the consequent development 

 of serial sectioniug, especially with modern perfected automatic micro- 

 tomes has minimized the time element in section cutting, but has 

 necessitated the development of various methods by meaus of which 

 paraffin sections may be fixed to slides or coverglasses in order that 

 they may be mauipulated without injury during the processes of staining 

 and mouuting. Certain of these methods are eminently satisfactory 

 in the preparation of embryological series and of serial sections of 

 tissues or organs destined for special study, but are very time con- 

 suming when used for the preparation of large numbers of Single 

 sections as is necessary for class work. The difticulties met with in 

 staining paraffin sections have in part been obviated by staining 

 tissues e n m a s s before embedding and sectioning in paraffin. Mass 

 staining has, however, a limited application and as a general rule 

 is unsatisfactory. For these reasons ccUoidin sections are still largely 

 used in the preparation of class matcrial, necessitating a repeated 

 manipulatiou of each section during the staining and Clearing of the 

 sections and a consumption of much time while cutting the sections. 



