DISSOCIATING FLUIDS. 



These fluids are used to soften the cement substance of 

 connective tissue, epithelium, &c., in order that the various 

 elements of the tissue may be separated and examined. 



(i.) IODISED SERUM. 



Solution of Iodine (B.P.), 1 cc. ; Serous Fluid, 100 cc. 



Should the brown colour fade, add a little more of the 

 Solution of Iodine. 



Place a piece of the tissue to be dissociated, which may 

 be about -fa in. diameter, in about 5 cc. of the fluid in 

 a glass-stoppered bottle, taking care to maintain the brown 

 colour of the fluid by adding a little of the Iodine Solution. 

 After the tissue has been in this solution for a couple of days 

 it may be teased out with needles. 



This fluid is useful for macerating white nerve fibres. 



(ii.) DILUTE ALCOHOL, 



Alcohol (90 p. c.), 1 part ; Distilled Water, 2 parts. 

 Takes about 24 hours to dissociate epithelium, connective 

 tissue, &c. 



(iii.) BICHROMATE OP POTASSIUM, 



Bichromate of Potassium, 1 grm. ; Water, 500 cc. 

 Used for epithelium and nerve cells of spinal cord. Takes 

 from 1 to 2 weeks. 



