trichina. 
*113 
stand was fixed they might be shorter, and far more suitable to 
such purpose. A large table accompanying the microscope will 
be of advantage for such examinations. 
A few slides, or object glasses, and some strong covering 
glasses, a pair of small curved scissors, and two teasing needles 
are all that is necessary to complete the outfit. 
■ The next step is to take the piece of muscle to be examined, 
and if at all dried to make a fresh cut into its substance, then 
with the curved scissors cutting one, two or three thin slices 
lengthwise to the fibres, i. e., with them, and with a needle place 
them on the object glass a little distance apart. The covering 
glass is then placed, adjusted and gently pressed upon them, with 
a slight rolling motion in one direction and back if necessary. 
* This will invariably make the section thin enough for examina¬ 
tion. 
It is not necessary to change the glasses for each specimen to 
be examined. When one has a large number, ten or twelve spec¬ 
imens can be accurately examined before such a procedure is 
necessary. 
To determine if the trichinse still live, hold the object glass 
over the heat of a spirit lamp for a second, and then place it under 
the microscope, and they will frequently be seen coiling them¬ 
selves in their capsules. It is better, however, to tease the pre¬ 
parations first, when individuals will frequently become freed 
from their capsules, and their movements can be better observed 
on the application of heat. 
Salted pork is best examined by taking the cut specimens from 
the scissors and soaking them in fresh water for a second or two 
before placing them on the slide. They are pressed out much 
easier and thinner when such a procedure is resorted to. 
OBJECTS WHICH MAY BE MISTAKEN FOR TRICHINAE, OR NOT BE 
RECOGNIZED AS SUCH. 
It not unfrequently happens that the capsules of the para¬ 
sites formed by the sarcolemma (or embracing membrane of the 
muscle fibres) becomes abnormally thickened, the parasites being 
dead within them. The capsules do not present exactly the same 
appearance that they do under normal conditions. 
