vi EXAMINATION OF FKESH TISSUES 27 



Examination of Fresh Tissues by means of Cover-Glass Films 



Examine the spleen of the white mouse dead of 

 anthrax, for the presence of Bacillus anthracis, by means 

 of cover-glass specimens. 



(a) Pin the animal out on a small board washed with 

 sublimate solution (roVo)- 



(b) Moisten the hair on the abdomen and chest with 

 methylated spirit. 



(c) Carefully reflect the skin of the abdomen and chest. 



(d) Heat a small glass rod to redness in the blow-pipe, 

 and rub the surface of the abdomen with it, especially 

 along the linea alba, and on each side along the costal 

 arches. 



(e) With a sterilised pair of forceps and scissors carefully 

 open the abdominal cavity in the middle line, make two 

 transverse cuts along the costal arches, and throw the flaps 

 outwards. 



(/) With a fresh pair of sterilised forceps and scissors 

 remove a small piece of the swollen spleen and gently 

 smear it over a clean cover-glass. Prepare four films in 

 this way. 



(g) Allow them to dry in the air, and then pass them 

 three times through the flame. 



(h) Stain them according to the following methods : 



(1) In methylene-blue without previously passing the 

 film through acetic acid. 



(2) First pass the film through acetic acid in the usual 

 manner and then stain with Loffler's methylene-blue. 



