40 BACTERIOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS. 



When no properly cleaned slides are at hand the 

 following method may be adopted, though it is not so 

 good. Dip the end of a clean handerchief in strong 

 spirit (absolute or rectified) and wipe the slide with it, 

 using a considerable amount of friction. Now dry it 

 with the special handkerchief mentioned above, heat it 

 thoroughly in a smokeless flame, and allow to cool 

 completely. Spread the film on the surface which was 

 exposed directly to the flame. 



Cover-glasses are cleaned in the method advised for 

 slides, and should be stored in strong alcohol smelling 

 strongly of ammonia. They are wiped with the special 

 handkerchief immediately before use. 



When cover-glasses are to be used for covering films 

 spread upon slides (as is generally the case if the 

 method recommended in this book is adopted) it is 

 quite sufficient to wipe them carefully with a clean 

 handkerchief moistened with spirit and then to dry 

 them. 



After slides or cover-glasses have been cleaned the 

 utmost care must be taken that they do not come in 

 contact with the skin, or a thin film of grease will be 

 deposited upon them. 



PIPETTES. 



Glass pipettes for the collection of pathological fluid 

 for bacteriological examination are in daily use in the 

 laboratory, and are very necessary for practitioners who 

 wish to send fluids for examination. They are readily 

 made from a piece of quill glass tubing, and a few 

 should always be kept in stock against emergencies. 



