1899J MICROSCOPICAL JOURNAL; 253 



tiated. The preference would probably be given Pick's 

 solution, as it will keep well and is more easily prepared. 

 This is made and used as follows : 



Ziehl's carbol fuchsin 15 drops. 



Concentrated alcoholic solution of methyl blue 8 " 

 Distilled water 20 c. c. 



Stain cold for 10 seconds, wash with water, dry, and 

 mount. The gonococcus will be stained a deep blue, other 

 bacteria a light blue, cell nuclei a still lighter blue, and 

 protoplasm pink. 



The second stain is recommended by Lanz and should 

 be freshly prepared, though in our laboratories it has been 

 used for six weeks after preparation. Formula : 



Saturated solution of fuchsin in 2 per cent carbolic 

 acid (aqueous) 10 c. c. 



Saturated solution of thionin in 2 per cent carbolic 

 acid (aqueous) 40 c. c. 



Stain, without warming, for £ to \ minute, and wash 

 with water. The gonococci are stained by the thionin, 

 the cell protoplasm by the fuchsin, and the nuclei by both 

 colors at the same time. 



If these solutions are allowed to act too long, the desired 

 result is not obtained. 



EDITORIAL. 



Soap for Imbedding. — When time does not permit use of 

 paraffin or collodion for imbedding plant tissues, use soap 

 dissolved in equal parts of glycerine and 95 per cent alco- 

 hol. Pour into a warm, shallow dish and let it harden. 

 Immerse the specimens first in a dilute solution of soap to 

 secure thorough penetration and infiltration. Then imbed 

 in a watch glass. 



Credit. — We are indebted to Science-Gossip for many of 

 the following items. 



