1894.] MICROSCOPICAL JOURNAL. 181 



sections ; and there is more liability of tearing and 

 wrinkling during manipulation. 



The paraffin method requires more attention (1) com- 

 plete dehydration ; (2) thorough infiltration ; (3) proper 

 temperature for the paraffin bath, which should never 

 exceed 50 C. 



In handling loose sections, some delicate tissues will 

 fall apart after removing the paraffin from them, but 

 this can be remedied by application of a fixing mixture 

 such as the gum arable, (Florgel Schultze), Celloidin, oil 

 of clove, (Schallibaum), and weak gelatin solution (Grray). 

 The object is to replace the support afl"orded by the par- 

 affin, by attaching the sections to the slide before remov- 

 ing the imbedding substance. By this means, we obtain 

 a secure attachment of the sections to the slides in all 

 solutions necessary for the various manipulations of 

 staining and mounting, and complete flattening oi expan- 

 sion of the sections before their final attachment to the 

 slide. 



If the above points are carefully observed and followed, 

 I think the paraffin method possesses many advantages 

 over the celloidin. In this, the sections can be cut as 

 thin as it is required, and by the fixing method the sub- 

 sequent manipulation is easier, the sections can be hand- 

 led almost with impunity, as there is no danger of tear- 

 ing or wrinkling, especially when serial sections are to 

 be cut, this is the only method which will answer the 

 purpose. 



Prizes. — At the 16th annual meeting of the Missouri State 

 Pharmaceutical Association to be held at the Excelsior Springs, 

 June 12-15, a prize will be given as follows : 



A set of twelve Botanical Microscopical Mounts for the mem- 

 ber of the Association identifying the largest number of them 

 by the aid of the microscope. Presented by Dr. H. M. Whelpley, 

 of St. Louis, Mo. 



