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On the Preparation op Microscopic Sections of Soft Tissues. 



By E. TuLLEY Newton, F.G.S. ^ 



(Read March 27th, 1874.) 



Abstract. 



The methods of cutting microscopic sections of soft tissues, and 

 the different kinds of machines used for this purpose, have been 

 for some time past subjects of interesting conversation among the 

 members of the Club ; and it was thought that an evening might 

 be profitably devoted to the consideration of these matters. At 

 the request of several members; Mr. Newton read the paper of 

 which the following is an abstract : — 



The author took occasion at the outset to observe that the object 

 of the paper was not to bring forward anything new, but simply to 

 open the discussion by calling attention to some- of the methods 

 generally used for the purpose of hardening, staining, and cutting 

 sections of various tissues, and by describing a few of the different 

 kinds of section-cutting machines. 



The process of hardening tissues was first considered, and some 

 of the advantages which were to be derived from the use of methy- 

 lated spirit, solutions of chromic acid, and of bichromate of potash 

 of various strengths were alluded to. Considerable stress was laid 

 upon the importance of having tissues properly hardened, more 

 especially when thin sections were to be cut. 



The process of hardening nerve tissues requiring somewhat more 

 care than most other substances, the method described by Dr. 

 Rutherford was referred to (" Quart. Micro. Journal," Jan., 1872), 

 and also that used by Prof. W. Betz (" Schultze's Archiv.," 1872, 

 p. 36 ; translation in " Quart. Micro. Journ.," 1873, p. 343). 



One or two methods of preparing sections of Retinas were 

 noticed. (See Dr. Rutherford, '' Quart. Micro. Journ.," Jan., 

 1872, and Dr. Klein, " Handbook for the Physiological Labora- 

 tory," 1873, p. 140). 



Journ. Q. M. C, No. 27. r 



