2666 Journal of Applied Microscopy 



A New Method of Affixation. 



The method here described has given satisfaction to so many, whose difficulties 

 with other methods have led them to try it, that we believe there are many more 

 who would find it advantageous. Whenever serial sections, mounted on slides, 

 are to be stained or treated otherwise, the chances of loss by washing off the 

 slide are reduced to a minimum by this affixation. It is admirably adapted to 

 affixing celloidin sections and has laudable advantages when applied to paraffin 

 sections. 



Three solutions are necessary : (1) Celloidin dissolved in oil of pennyroyal, 

 oil of peppermint, or oil of cloves. This solution should have the consistency 

 of very thick molasses. Several days are required for the complete solution of 

 the celloidin. When clove oil is employed, we have what is commonly known 

 as Shallibaum's affixative. (2) No. 1 diluted with four parts of synthol. 

 (Columbian spirits, colonial spirits, or absolute alcohol may be substituted for 

 synthol). (3) Chloroform in three parts of alcohol (95 per cent.). 



Paraffin ribbons are dealt with in three ways. The thickness of the sections 

 should decide, in part, which is most applicable. For very thin sections of soft 

 tissues, it is sufficiently safe to mount on thoroughly cleansed slides, to flatten 

 the sections with 70 per cent, alcohol by heat (55° C.) and make them adhere 

 temporarily by evaporating the alcohol over a water bath at 40 to 50° C. Then 

 remove the paraffin with xylol or benzine. With sections of greater thickness 

 and having a tendency to be brittle, it is more reliable to use Mayer's albumen 

 affixative as described by Lee (Vade Mecum). Flatness may be insured here 

 also by heat, but 35 per cent, alcohol should be used to avoid the coagulation of 

 the albumen. When it has evaporated, remove the paraffin as before. A third 

 method of procedure is as follows : Smear the slides with No. 1 and press the 

 sections down firmly with the fingers. Evaporate the oil in a warm oven at 40 

 to 50° C. When fairly hard, dissolve out the paraffin with benzine or xylol. It 

 dissolves somewhat slowly through the celloidin. If the sections tend to break 

 up and bits to float away in the xylol, it is well to brush over with No. 2 and let it 

 evaporate, just before placing in the solvent. 



When the paraffin is removed, sections prepared by all three methods are 

 treated alike. Flow on No. 2 plentifully, by means of a large camel's hair brush, 

 holding the slide in a slanting position so that the excess may be absorbed by 

 filter paper. The xylol is thus replaced by the affixative. The slides should 

 then dry for about ten minutes in a horizontal position. When dry the affixative 

 is thick and sticky to the touch. If the sections have been made to adhere to 

 the slide by No. 1, one must proceed with great care at this stage. No. 1 is 

 readily dissolved by No. 2 and the sections are apt to float about. Hence get 

 rid of as much xylol as possible with filter paper and flow on No. 2 with a single 

 stroke of the brush. Quickly place the slide in a horizontal position to dry. 

 When dry, brush over again with No. 2, spreading the affixative over the ends, 

 edges, and back of the slide and dry again. 



The slides are now out of danger. The oil is removed by placing in No. 3, 



