VI PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION 



Mallory. Consequently information also must be supplied under various names 

 though this is usually less satisfactory than under subjects. A very annoying 

 handicap is the host of synonyms for dyes. Being ignorant of chemistry, I 

 have with confidence listed those given by Dr. H. J. Conn. Many more will be 

 found in The Colour Index of the Society of Dyers and Colourists. 



Since all are busy people, time is a factor and the}^ will wish to dig out what 

 they want as directly and quickh' as possible. It is for this reason that every- 

 thing is listed alphabetically. Obviously this book can be nothing more than 

 a brief entr^ to microscopic technique. Therefore, numerous references to the 

 literature are supplied for follow up. Again to save time, these are given each 

 in its appropriate place, thus avoiding the necessity of turning the pages and 

 locating them in a large bibliography. But no attempt is made to trace the 

 techniques to their original exponents and to apportion credit for numerous 

 modifications. Often the most recent and accessible reference is provided re- 

 lying on the author to state history fairly. Evidently, in order to keep up to 

 date as to methods, the reader must repeatedly consult the latest issues of many 

 journals. Stain Techn.; J. Lab. & Clin. Med.; J. Tech. Meth.; Bull. d'Hist. 

 Appl.; and Zeit. f. mikr. Tech. are particularl}^ valuable. 



Finally I wish to thank my colleagues for their help, particularly Drs. L. R. 

 Boling, C. Carruthers, William Cramer, Morris Moore, J. L. O'Leary, W. L. 

 Simpson, R. E. Stowell, Lester Wicks and Dr. H. J. Conn, Chairm.an of the 

 Biological Stain Commission, who very kindly read the manuscript and made 

 several useful suggestions. 



