PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION 
It is gratifying to the author that the appreciation accorded to 
Methods in Plant Histology , when it first appeared as a series of 
articles in the Journal of Applied Microscopy , has continued through 
three editions of the book. While the chapter headings and general 
arrangement remain about the same as before, the book has been 
almost entirely re-written. 
Directions for collecting material have been amplified and the 
preparation of the most familiar laboratory types has received 
particular attention. While no radical changes have been made in 
the paraffin method, the process has been shortened and improved; 
the Venetian turpentine method, introduced in the second edition 
and improved in the third, has come into such general use that the expe¬ 
rience of many laboratories has been added to that of our own, and the 
directions have become so definite that there is little excuse for fail¬ 
ures. The cellulose acetate method, which may do as much for woody 
structures as the Venetian turpentine method has done for its class of 
mounts, is outlined in a tentative way, and the chapter on “ Photo¬ 
micrographs and Lantern Slides” has been extended and improved. 
The introduction of American stains, which are becoming very ac¬ 
curately standardized, has occasioned some modifications throughout. 
The author is even more deeply indebted than before to his 
colleague, Dr. W. J. G. Land, for suggestions and improvements 
covering the whole field of microtechnic and photography. He is 
also indebted to Dr. S. Yamanouchi for improvements applicable to 
algae and mitotic figures. Dr. Paul J. Sedgwick is responsible for 
much of the improvement in photomicrography and for many of 
the photomicrographic illustrations. To Miss Ethel Thomas, who 
assisted me for many years, I am indebted for improvements, criti¬ 
cisms, and suggestions covering the whole range of the book. Besides, 
I must thank a host of colleagues and students all over the world for 
help in all phases of the subject. 
Corrections and suggestions will be heartily appreciated. 
Charles J. Chamberlain 
viii 
Chicago 
October, 1924 
