272 The Microscope. 



35. Winkler, F. N. — Beitriige zur Kentniss der Herzmuscu- 

 latur. Ai-ch. f. Anat. u. Physiol., 1865, pp. 261-300, 2 pi. Shows 

 anastomoses of muscular fibers in the heart. 



Nearly all of these articles contain more or less complete 

 bibliographies of the form and structure of muscular tissue, those 

 in Krause, Kolliker and Milne- Edwards being especially good. 



ON PEEPARING LARGE SECTIONS OF LUNG. 



G. S. WOODHEAD, M. D. 

 (Communicated by V. A. Latham, F. R. M. S.) 



'' I HIS is particularly good for demonstrating the localization of 

 -■- tubercular and other lesions in such organs as the lungs in 

 Phthisis, etc. Make the first incision through the lung in the direc- 

 tion in which you wish to have your sections, usually from apex to 

 base and from the antero -external angfle of the lung: down to the 

 root. A second incision is made parallel to the first, so that a thin 

 slice, not more than half an inch in thickness is obtained. Harden 

 this carefully for 5 or 6 weeks in Miiller's fluid. The hardening 

 must be as perfect as possible if even moderate success is to be 

 attained. The best way to accomplish this is to lay the section out 

 flat in a dish on a layer of lint, then cover with several layers of 

 lint, and immerse the whole in Miiller's fluid, a plate of glass or 

 weighted wood being used to keep it down. Spirit also hardens the 

 sections well, and in some cases this may be used, but remember that 

 it is difficult to get rid of the whole of the spirit without softening 

 the textures too much; especially is this the case in warm weather; 

 but it may be done by running a continuous stream of water over 

 the sections for about 36 hours before further preparation. The 

 sections hardened in Muller's fluid need not be washed with water 

 for more than 24 hours. Then place the slice of tissue in a mixture of 

 5 parts of mucilage (B. P. ) and four parts of a syrup made by boiling 

 20 oz. of sugar in a pint of water. The proportion may be varied a 

 little in winter by using only three parts of the syrup. Two drops of 

 carbolic acid to the ounce may be added to prevent the formation of 

 fungi. The tissue should be soaked in this for 48 hours at least, 

 but may be left for a fortnight, or even a month, without injury. 

 The microtome used is one modified by Dr. Alexander Bruce, in 

 which are combined the best features both of the Hamilton and Wil- 

 liams microtomes. It is made by Mr. Alexander Eraser, 7 Lothian 

 Street, Edinburgh, Scotland. The section is taken from the gum 



