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Zo Stain tubercle JSacillu 



THE following is one which we {Natio7ial Druggist, U.S.A.) 

 have been using with great satisfaction for some time past, 

 and as a good demonstration of the presence (or absence) 

 of the bacilli can be made by it in from thirty to ninety seconds, 

 we think that it leaves nothing to be desired on the score of 

 rapidity. It is a modification of Neilsen's process, and is, if we 

 remember correctly, the device of Dr. Glorieux. The fuchsin 

 stain is identical with that of Neilsen, viz. — Fuchsin, 5 grains ; 

 absolute alcohol, 50 minims; carbolic acid in crystals, 20 grains; 

 distilled water, enough to make i ounce. 



Dissolve the carbolic acid in the distilled water and the 

 fuchsin in the alcohol, and mix the solutions. Let stand with 

 occasional agitation for eight or ten hours, and filter. The modi- 

 fication comes in in the bleaching and contrast staining. Instead 

 of using a separate fluid for each, Glorieux has devised an acid 

 solution of methyl blue, which performs both functions at once 

 and in the most perfect manner. It is made as follows : — Take 

 of sulphuric acid (chemically pure, specific gravity, i'85) 65 

 minims; absolute alcohol, 100 minims; distilled water, sufficient 

 to make i fluid ounce. Mix the acid and water, let cool, and add 

 the alcohol. Then add a little at a time, and with constant stir- 

 ring ; methyl blue to saturation. Let stand for several hours and 

 filter. In use the cover is immersed in the fuchsin for a few 

 seconds ; rinse and drop into the acid blue stain, and leave for a 

 similar length of time ; rinse, dry, and mount as in other pro- 

 cesses. The real cause of failure in making good, clear, perma- 

 nent preparations lies, usually, not so much in the staining as in the 

 preliminary preparation and manipulation of the sputum or other 

 material. Most physicians — especially those who believe that the 

 minutiae and details insisted on by practical microscopists are 

 "useless technicalities," adapted to make "microscopy as burden- 

 some and troublesome as possible " — think that if they smear the 

 crude sputum on the cover-glass, and pass it through the flame of 

 a lamp a few times, they have prepared the material for staining, 

 and are disappointed if they do not get good results. Biedert's 



