28 THE MICROSCOPE. [February, 



convenient, and accurate method for establishing the identity of 

 these powders. 



This is but one example of numerous cases wherein the micro- 

 scope would prove a valuable assistant to the pharmacist in his 

 daily work, and he who has not the aid of a good microscope 

 stands seriously in his own lisfh t . 



Within the past few weeks I have had occasion to examine the 

 market supply of buckwheat flour in the State of Kansas. The 

 result of my investigations will be found in the report of the State 

 board of agriculture. It is gratifying to know that there appears 

 to be no mineral (earthy) adulterations in the flour. A micro- 

 scopic examination reveals the fact that the two principal admix- 

 tures are wheat and corn flour, the former often in small propor- 

 tion. In one case the flour examined contained so little buck- 

 wheat that the characteristic starch granules of that grain were 

 scarcely visible. It appeared to be a mixture of corn and wheat 

 flour, containing a small quantity of buckwheat. 



MOUNTING LEAVES AND FLOWERS ENTIRE, 

 By Norman N. Mason, 



PROVIDENCE, R. I. 



In your issue of December, 1S92. in reply to question No. 122, 

 " Can leaves and flowers of small plants be mounted entire and 

 show cells. &c. ? " I notice that you have given a process which 

 is exactly the one I was following with miserable want of success 

 when Dr. J. G. Hunt, of Philadelphia, helped me out of my 

 trouble by kindly sending to me the following very clear method : 



wt Soak your leaf or other colored parts of plants in alcohol to 

 remove the chlorophyl. which is soluble in alcohol. If you do 

 not soak too long you may retain and reveal all cell contents and 

 granules. Then wash is water, and bleach in Labarraque's solu- 

 tion of chlorinated soda; chlorinated zinc is as good. When 

 white* but not corroded, wash thoroughly with water till the soda 

 is removed. Don't use acid to neutralize. Then immerse in 

 potash alum solution ; strength not important. The alum solution 

 hardens the tissues and acts as a mordant for the color. Let them 

 remain in the alum for two or three hours, then rinse in water. 

 Now you are ready for staining. I prefer double tinting for some 

 things. 



" Take extract of logwood (hematoxylin) and potash alum, 

 equal parts ; pour on a little water and triturate thoroughly until 

 a saturated violet-colored liquid results, and filter ; do not add 

 alcohol, for alcohol precipitates, as you will see presently. Take 

 of this violet liquid one-half and glycerin one-half and mix them. 

 This will keep and is the coloring fluid for best hematoxylin 



