46 HISTOLOGY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS 



well to accustom oneself to one type, for by so doing one may 

 become dexterous in its use. 



NEEDLES 



Two dissecting needles (Fig. 48) should form a part of the 

 histologist's mounting set. The handles mav be of any material, 



Fig. 48. — Dissecting Needle 



but the needle should be of tempered steel and about two inches 

 long. 



SCISSORS 



Almost any sort of scissors (Fig. 49) will do for histology 

 work, but a small scissors with fine pointed blades, are preferred. 



Fig. 49. — Scissors 



Scissors are useful in trimming labels and in cutting strips of 

 leaves and sections of fibrous roots that are to be embedded 

 and cut. 



SCALPELS 



Scalpels (Fig. 50) have steel blades and ebony handles. 

 These vary in regard to size and quality of material. The 

 cheaper grades are quite as satisfactory, however, as the more 

 expensive ones, and for general use a medium-sized blade and 

 handle will be found most useful. 



TURNTABLE 



Much time and energy may be saved by ringing slides on a 

 turntable (Fig. 51). There is a flat surface upon which to rest 

 the hand holding the brush with cement, and a revolving table 



