Resistant Membranes from Wool and Hair Fibres

Abstract

IN an investigation of the histological structure of wool and hair fibres, we have used the following technique in the preparation of sections for electron microscope examination. Sections 0.4–2.0 µ in thickness were cut of peracetic acid-treated fibres, embedded in ester wax¹. The ribbons were transferred to water containing a little ethoxy-ethyl alcohol on a microscope slide ; the slide was dried at 35° C., and the wax removed with hot xylene. The sections were treated with sodium hydroxide solution for 5–10 min., and the slide was then washed carefully with distilled water, dried, and flooded with a 0.3 per cent solution of nitrocellulose in amyl acetate. The treated sections were then stripped from the slide on the nitrocellulose support, collected and examined.