NUCLEAR STAINS. 31 



a Solution in Ammonia is stated to have been introduced in 

 1858 by Gerlaeh, the formula being: 



Carmine, 1; Strong Liquid Ammonia, 1; Water, 100; the 

 mixture exposed to the air for 24 hours to allow excess of 

 Ammonia to evaporate, then filtered. 



This solution easily undergoes change by the action of 

 moulds and putrefactive ferments ; but if time be given for 

 these changes to run their course (some authors say " some 

 months," others "two years") the solution, after nitration, 

 keeps well and stains more precisely than a fresh solution. 

 Beale's Solution containing Glycerine and Alcohol keeps 

 much better than a simple Aqueous Solution, and answers 

 every purpose. Frey's Solution is similar to Beale's. The 

 Ammonia Carmine stain washes out completely in Water, 

 also to some extent in 70 p. c. Alcohol, but not at all in 

 90 p. c. Alcohol. 



(ii.) BEALE'S AMMONIA CARMINE. 



Carmine, 10 grs. ; Strong Solution of Ammonia, 30 mins. ; 

 Distilled Water, 2 oz. ; Alcohol, J oz. ; Pure Glycerine, 2 oz. 

 Dissolve the Carmine in the Ammonia with the aid of heat ; 

 boil for a few seconds and let it cool; allow the excess of 

 Ammonia to evaporate, and add the Water, Alcohol, and 

 Glycerine ; filter. 



This solution will keep for months. Sometimes a little Carmine is 

 deposited owing to escape of Ammonia, in which case 1 or 2 drops of 

 Liquor Ammonise may be added to the 4 oz. of Carmine Solution. 



(iii.) STRONGER AMMONIA CARMINE. 



Carmine, 1 grin. ; Strong Solution of Ammonia, 2 cc. ; Dis- 

 tilled Water, 16 cc. ; Alcohol, 8 cc. ; Glycerine, 16 cc. ; pro- 

 ceed as directed for Beale's Solution. 



