The Microscope. SS'S^ 



BOOK REVIEWS. 



PuELiMiNARY AB8TitA.CT REPORT of the Marine Laboratory, Stationed in 

 1887 at Nassau, New Providence, University of Pennsylvania. 



In this preliminary report, Dr. Dolley, the Director of the 

 Laboratory, briefly presents the necessity of the study of marine 

 fauna on the spot where specimens are taken, as the fragile character 

 of marine invertebrates renders preserving them by means of 

 reagents practically impossible. The success of this attempt on the 

 part of the Biological Department of the University of Pennsyl- 

 vania, has led to a representative being sent to Europe to the various 

 max'ine laboratories, with the purpose of obtaining information in 

 regard to the practical workings of these institutions, and we may 

 expect at no late day to see this department, with a well equipped 

 building, ready to receive students. 



Laparotomy for Fibro-Cystic Tumor. Recovery. By Chas. H. Merz, 

 A. M., M. D. Sandusky, Ohio. Reprint. 



CORRESPONDENCE AND QUERIES. 



To Keep a Section-Cutter Knife Bright. — In your November 

 issue I notice that some one desires to know how to keep the knife 

 bright that is used in section cutting. I always wipe my knives 

 perfectly dry and rub them with a cloth saturated with vaseline. I 

 have never experienced any difficulty from rust. 



Green Stains for Vegetable Sections. — Another correspondent 

 asks for a better stain to use in double- staining wood sections than 

 malachite green. Aniline green gives better satisfaction in the first 

 place, but I fear it will not last long, as all the aniline dyes fade in 

 course of time. H. M. WHELPLEY. 



St. Louis, Mo. 



In answer to B.'s inquiry in the November Microscope in regard 

 to keeping the microtome knife free from rust, the blade might be 

 immersed for a few minutes in a saturated solution of carbonate of 

 potassium. This has been recommended, but we cannot vouch for 

 its usefulness. 



D., New York, recommends thoroughly cleaning section knives, 

 and then rubbing with a rag well smeared with mercurial ointment. 

 Other things may keep it bright, but this is the only thing that will 

 surely do it. Vaseline and its mixtures are very good but not infal- 

 lible. 



