Abstract
HISTOLOGICAL methods have become so perfected, microscopic appliances so modified, and staining reagents so numerous, that it is necessary to have good reference books for use in laboratories. Although there are a number of such works amongst which we may mention Lee's “Vade Mecum,” Sims Woodhead's “Manual,” and Fletcher's edition of Von Kahlden's “Practical Pathological Histology,” the appearance of a new edition of Rawitz's compendium will be welcomed by all who were familiar with the first edition, which was published six years ago. It resembles Von Kahlden's book in arrangement, but while this latter has been compiled specially for pathological investigations, Rawitz's “Leitfaden” is essentially intended for the biologist and physiologist, and forms a suitable supplement to its morbid counter-part. When reviewing Dr. Fletcher's translation of Von Kahlden's book, some time back, we regretted the omission of various matters relating to section-cutting, embedding and staining, an omission which is excusable on the ground that in a work on practical pathological histology a sound knowledge of these subjects might be taken for granted. Rawitz gives excellent descriptions of all our recognised modern methods, and a careful account of paraffin embedding and paraffin cutting, which will prove useful to all who wish to become familiar with what is undoubtedly the best method for general histological purposes. His directions for working with celloidin are equally good, and since this method is somewhat neglected in this country the beginner will find a number of hints which Dr. Fletcher might well have included in his translation. The completeness with which the various methods of fixation, hardening, and staining have been enumerated is admirable, and we gain the firm conviction that the author has only included what is sound, and in careful hands certain to give good and trustworthy results. Chapter xi. (part 1) contains some useful information on the art of drawing and “reconstructing” microscopical objects. The “Leitfaden” may be recommended with out hesitation to the histologist as a book of reference for use in the laboratory: it will save time, and seldom cause disappointment.
Leitfaden für histologische Untersuchungen.
By Bernhard Rawitz. Second edition. (Jena: Gustav Fischer, 1895.)
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K., A. Leitfaden für histologische Untersuchungen. Nature 52, 412 (1895). https://doi.org/10.1038/052412b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/052412b0