444 
SUMMARY OF CURRENT RESEARCHES RELATING TO 
sterilised, was mixed witli meat-pepton-agar or with bouillon, or used 
by itself. 
Making Blood-Serum Slants.* — Dr. E. C. Levy describes an im- 
provement in the technique of making blood-serum culture media. The 
serum, obtained from the usual source and in the usual way, is run into 
sterilised test-tubes, a tilling funnel or 50 ccm. burette being used for the 
purpose. Each tube is stopped with a sterilised cork rammed in above 
the cotton-wool plug. The corks are then tied in. After this, the 
tubes are placed on the slant, in a shallow wire tray. Inside an Arnold 
steriliser is placed a wire basket, and on this another is laid flat. On the 
latter is laid the tray with the tubes. A towel is then thrown over 
the steriliser, the inner lid and outer jacket of which are dispensed 
with. In 10-20 minutes after getting up steam, the serum will be 
found coagulated evenly and without any disfiguring bubbles. 
The corks, which should be of the best quality and one or two sizes 
larger than will easily go into the mouth of the tube, are softened and 
sterilised in an Arnold steriliser in 20 minutes. In order that the 
corks may be tied in, the test-tubes must be lipped. 
Surplus serum may be kept for future use by pouring it into a well- 
stoppered bottle, and covering it with a layer 2—3 mm. thick of chloro- 
form. It is then thoroughly shaken. In this way serum is said to 
keep indefinitely. 
(2) Preparing Objects. 
Washing Apparatus.f — Mr. E. J. Durand describes a tank which 
is effective for washing material fixed in chromic acid, Flemming’s fluid, 
Fig. 109. 
* Journ. Applied Microscopy, ii. (1899) pp. 860-3 (3 figs.), 
t Bot. Gazette, xxvii. (1899) pp. 394-5 (1 fig.). 
