Quantitative microscopy

The Development of Quantitative Microscopy

“…Briefly stated, the method consists in mixing known weights of lycopodium and of the material to be ~p r i l i g 2 1 examined and suspending the mixture in any convenient volume (not necessarily a known volume) of a suitable suspending agent such as mucilage of tragacanth, olive oil, castor oil or a mixture of these oils. (For a discussion of suspending agents see reference 16.) The suspension is thoroughly shaken up in a stoppered weighing bottle or in a corked tube and a small drop is transferred to a slide by means of a glass rod and covered with a cover-glass.…”

“…One can hardly expect the critical observer to accept counts of masses of fibers of uncertain length and in bundles of varying numbers, as has been suggested by some workers. 16 Before an acceptable process c m be devised, it will be necessary to discover some method of eliminating the uncertainties resulting from these disturbing factors.…”