120 The Preparation of Microscope Slides 



powder is polished from the surface with a clean linen or silk cloth. 

 Smears often have to be made at unexpected moments, so that it is a great 

 convenience to have slides at hand that may be rendered fit for use in a 

 few moments. 



Fig. 84. Making a smear preparation. Place the drop about 1 in. from the end of the 

 slide. 



Fig. 85. Making a smear preparation. 



Apply a second slide just in front of 

 the drop. 



Fig. 86. Making a smear prep- 

 aration. Push the slide smoothly 

 forward to spread the smear. 



The actual method of smearing varies greatly according to the material 

 being used. Probably more smears are made of blood than of any other 

 fluid, and the technique for the preparation of these is so well established 

 that it will be described as a type. The material itself either may be taken 

 from the puncture wound directly onto the slide or, as in Fig. 84, removed 

 from the puncture wound with a pipette and transferred to the slide. The 



