Staining OF Embryonic and Small Mammalian Skeletal Systems

The methods commonly used for staining developing bone (Lundvall, 1905; Spalteholz, 1914; Batson, 1921; Dawson, 1926; Richmond and Bennett, 1938; Cumley, Crow, and Griffin, 1939; Williams, 1941), have involved the use of 1% or 2% Aqueous KOH without employing any bleaching agent. The introduction of hydrogen peroxide into the technic proves to be a distinct advantage, and in the concentration here proposed, does not result in the production of fine bubbles. The maceration process can be hastened through the use of an increased concentration of potash in the absence of a fixative, although this in itself is one of the hazards of the technic. However, if the preparations are carefully watched, this difficulty may be largely avoided. The method works admirably and gives a very clear muscle tissue so that the skeletal elements are very sharply outlined. The proposed method (arranged in the form adopted in Staining Procedures) is herewith described.