50 
Journal of the 
then have something valuable to exchange for the transactions of 
other kindred societies throughout the world. And so our library 
may become a valuable aid to future explorers in the realms of 
microscopic science. 
On the Use of Carbolic Acid in Mounting Microscopic Objects. 
By J. R. Y. Goldstein. 
[Bead 28th August, 1879.] 
The mounting of objects in Canada balsam, by means of turpen¬ 
tine, has long been a serious difficulty to students, and a nuisance 
even to practised hands. Turpentine evaporates so slowly that 
the hardening, or baking, and finishing of slides becomes a serious 
obstacle where time is concerned, while the previous Reparation 
of objects saturated by water is exceedingly troublesome, and a 
general characteristic of messiness pervades the whole operation. 
The members of this society have for some years adopted, with 
advantage, a method suggested by the President, Dr. Ralph, in 
1874, by which much of the unpleasantness of mounting in balsam 
is avoided, and the time occupied considerably shortened. Now 
that the process has stood the test of years, and has proved so 
decidedly beneficial, it is considered advisable to publish in the 
journal of the society a detailed description of the process, in order 
that microscopists generally may know and use what may properly 
be called “ Ralph’s carbolic process.” 
When first calling attention to the subject, Dr. .Ralph suggested 
the use of glycerine as a means of withdrawing water from objects 
before using the acid, but experience has shown that this is not 
necessary, as by the use of heat carbolic acid will readily absorb, 
and eventually replace the water in any object saturated there¬ 
with. 
The carbolic acid used should be the purest that can be obtained, 
and it will be well to keep the greater portion as stock in a dark- 
blue glass-stoppered bottle, so as to prevent it being discoloured by 
exposure to light. From this can be transferred, as required, a 
small quantity to a working bottle of about two drachms capacity. 
If the acid is so pure as to be crystalized, melt what is in the 
smaller bottle, and add a few drops of spirits of wine, which will 
