Methods for Staining. 



It lias long been known that when properly hardened 

 tissues are subjected to the action of coloring matters, cer- 

 tain elements of the tissues, even certain parts of the cells, 

 show greater affinity for the stain than others. This selec- 

 tive action noticed in so many stains, warrants the ])lace 

 they hold in histological technic. Of the great number in 

 use, a few of the most trustworthy, and such as can be 

 most easily made and used, are here given. 



HEMATOXYLIN SOLUTIONS. 



Boehmer's Solution. 



This solution is one of the best -in use, and is made 

 after the following formula: — 



Hsematoxylin crystals . . . .1 grmJ , j 

 Absolute alcohol .... 10 c. c. ^^^' ^• 



Potash alum lOgrms. 



Distilled water .... 200 c. c. 



sol. II. 



The crystals of hematoxylin are dissolved in the abso- 

 lute alcohol, and kept in a well-stoppered bottle for 24 

 hours (solution I). 



The alum is dissolved in warm distilled water, aud al- 

 lowed to cool, keeping it free from dust (solution II). Add 

 solution one to solution two, stir, and keep in an open dish 

 for about a week ; filter, and the solution is ready for use. 



The tissues must be stained in section ; the steps are 

 as follows : — 



The tissues may be hardened in Miiller's fluid, alcohol, 

 mercuric chloride, picric acid, nitric acid, etc., are 



