Methods for Decalcifying Tissues. 



Kahlden* gives the following general directions to be 

 observed when decalcifying: 



(1) The tissues must first be well hardened in alcohol 

 or Muller's fluid. 



(2) A large quantity of the decalcifying fluid needs to 

 be used, and changed frequently. 



(3) After decalcification the tissues must be thoroughly 

 washed in flowing water for several days. 



(4) They are again hardened in graded alcohol, after 

 which they are ready for cutting. 



Nitric and Hydrochloric Acid. 



Use the following proportions : 



Nitric acid (10% aqueous solution) . 1 part. 



Hydrochloric acid (1% aqueous solution) 1 part. 



The decalcification is quite rapid, the fluid needs to be 

 changed every second or third day. The tissues are from 

 time 4;o time taken from the fluid and tested by pushing a 

 needle into the bone, and if it enters easily and without 

 grating, the decalcification may ba considered complete. 

 They are then washed in flowing water, and hardened in 

 graded alcohol. 

 Ebner's Decalcifying Fluid. 



The following formula is taken from Behren's Ta- 

 bellen : 



Sodium chloride .... 2.5 grms. 



Water 100.0 c.c. 



Alcohol 500.0 c.c. 



Hydrochloric acid .... 2.5 c.c. 



*Technik der Histologischen Untersuchung patolo^isch-ana- 

 tomiscber Prseparate. Third edition, page 13. 



