1676 Journal of Applied Microscopy 



Partial chemical analyses ...... 1049 



Microscopical examinations ...... 4688 



Bacteriological examinations -...-- 5230 



Tests for bacillus coli communis . . - . . 2630 



University of Rochester. Charles WrigHT DodgE. 



(Continued.) 



A Method of Preparing Fish for Dissection. — In a recent paper (Die 

 Vorfahren der Schollen. Bull, de I'Acad. Impe'r. des Sci. de St. Petersbourg. 

 V Ser. Bd. XIV, No. 3, 1901. Pp. 315-450. Taf. II.) Thilo describes a 

 method of preparing fish (Pleuronectidae) for dissection or museum exhibition 

 which appears to have given very good results, and will doubtless prove of wide 

 applicability. The procedure was in detail as follows : 



(1) The heart and viscera were removed from all fish which were to be used 

 for the study of skin, bones, or muscles. 



(2) The specimens were placed for some hours in a solution of 5 parts soda 

 in 100 parts water, in an ice-chest, in order to remove the slime. They were 

 then thoroughly washed with soap and water and rinsed in clear water. 



(3) The specimens were then put into formalin (100 parts water, 2 parts 

 formalin) for a week. 



(4) After removal from the formalin the specimens were left for one to two 

 weeks in glycerin which had been boiled for about ten minutes and then allowed 

 to cool. 



(5) At the end of this time the specimens were removed from the glycerin 

 and hung up in a dry, airy place for one to two weeks. 



(('») The fish were then put up till desired for work in covered tin or glass 

 receptacles without any preserving fluid of any sort, the dishes merely con- 

 taining air. 



Thilo says that fish so prepared are entirely odorless, and that the joints are 

 movable and the muscles well preserved for dissection. Small muscles, like the 

 eye muscles, will not dry up for some time, even when completely exposed. ; It 

 is stated that well preserved alcoholic material may be prepared in the same way 

 with formalin and glycerin with good results. It seems possible that the method 

 may be found useful on other material than fish. r. p. 



Books Received. 



DaCosta, Clinical Hematology. A Practical Guide to the Examination of the 

 Blood with reference to Diagnosis. By John C. DaCosta, Jr., M. D., Assistant 

 Demonstrator of Clinical Medicine, Jefferson Medical College ; Hematologist to 

 the German Hospital, etc. Containing 8 full-page colored plates, 3 charts, and 

 48 other illustrations. Octavo, 450 pages. Published by P. Blakiston's Son & 

 Co., 1012 Walnut St., Philadelphia, 1901. Price, $5.0(» net. 



Parsons, Elementary Ophthalmic Optics. Including Opthalmoscopy and 

 Retinoscopy. By J. Herbert Parsons, B. S., B. Sc, F. R. C. S., Curator, 

 Royal London (Moorfields) Ophthalmic Hospital. Large 12mo., 162 pages. 

 Published by P. Blakiston's Son & Co., 1012 Walnut St., Philadelphia, 1902. 

 Price, $2.00 net. 



