Some New Staining Methods of Wide Applicability.

Of the numerous staining methods devised for demonstrating elastic tissue, the method of Weigert has given the most satisfactory results. Weigert's solution, however, stains connective tissue diffusely, and thus does not give the sharpest possible differentiation. It has the disadvantages also of staining celloidin deeply, of not permitting the use of satisfactory counter stains, and of giving especially unsatisfactory results when used on tissues fixed in Zenker's fluid. The method here to be described is free from these disadvantages, and gives an intense stain of even the finest elastic fibrils. The method gives good results after any of the following fixatives, namely, Zenker's fluid, formaldehyd, formaldehyd followed by Weigert's mordant for myelin sheaths, formaldehyd followed by Marchi's fluid and fairly satisfactory results may be obtained also with tissues decalcified in nitric acid. In the case of fixation in Zenker's fluid, tissues or sections should not be treated with iodin solution