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PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION 



This book has grown out of a course in histological technique con- 

 ducted by the author at the University of Chicago. The course has 

 also been taken by non-resident students through the Extension Divi- 

 sion of the University. The Methods were published over a year ago 

 as a series of articles in the Journal of Applied Microscopy, and have 

 called out numerous letters of commendation, criticism, suggestion, 

 and inquiry. The work has been thoroughly revised and enlarged by 

 about one-half. It is hoped that the criticism and suggestion, and also 

 the experience gained by contact with both resident and non-resident 

 students, have made the directions so definite that they may be fol- 

 lowed, not only by those who work in a class under the supervision of 

 an instructor, but also by those who must work in their own homes 

 without any such assistance. 



More space has been devoted to the paraffin method than to any 

 other, because it has been proved to be better adapted to the needs of 

 the botanist. The celloidin method, the glycerin method, and free- 

 hand sectioning are also described, and their advantages and disad- 

 vantages are pointed out. 



The first part of the book deals with the principles of fixing and 

 staining, and the various other processes of microtechnique, while in 

 the later chapters these principles are applied to specific cases. This 

 occasions some repetition, but the mere presentation of general prin- 

 ciples will not enable the beginner to make good mounts. 



The illustrations and notes in the later chapters are not intended 

 to afford a study of general morphology, but they merely indicate to 

 students with a limited knowledge of plant structures the principal 

 features which the preparations should show. The photomicrographs 

 were made from the author's preparations by Dr. W. H. Knap, and 

 Figures 52, 57, and 59 (Figs. 61, 66, and 68 of second edition) were 

 drawn by Miss Eleanor Tarrant; all other figures of plant structures 

 were made from the author's drawings. 



Corrections and suggestions will be heartily appreciated. 



^ Charles J. Chamberlain 



Chicago 



June 1, 1901 



