1897 THE MICROSCOPE. 5 
The extreme and constant employment of the finger- 
tips in the blind causes the blood to tend toward them 
in unusual quantities; this causes the extraordinary 
growth of the potential contents of the corpuscles of 
Pacini its nerve trunk, artery, and vein—and this larger 
and more perfect growth means more and more perfect 
performance of function. 
A Word To Microscope Workers. 
The Curator of the Colombo Museum, has for some 
years been making experiments so as to discover a med- 
inm which will preserve the colors of fish and other ani- 
mals. This is what he says: 
“In my last year’s report I made some remarks on the 
use of carbolised oil as a mounting fluid for specimens 
already prepared by other means, the idea that it was a 
preservative in itself not having occurred tome. Further 
experiments this year seem to show (I do not like to speak 
too confidently in a climate like this, even with twelve 
mouths’ experience) that it is one of the most perfect pre- 
servatives known both for form and color. 
“Cocoanut oil and carbolic acid freely mix in all pro- 
portions. The mixturesat present under trial are oil 
raised to the specific gravity of 10° and 20° below proof 
spirit by the addition of acid. While the gum and gly- 
cerine process is absolutely useless for any animals ex- 
cept certain families of fish, this mixture is good for 
every kind of vertebrate. The most delicate frogs are 
quite uninjured by it, and snakes undergo no change. 
The delicate plum-like bloom on the geckoes, the fugi- 
tive reddish tint on such snakes as Ablabes humberti, 
are beautifully preserved by it. 
‘Another most important use isin the preservation of 
large fish skins, which can be packed away in it for an in- 
definite period, and mounted when wanted. These kinds 
