X
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION
staining, I can write only from the literature, and from what I have
learned from talking with knowledgeable investigators, for I have not
myself attempted these techniques. However, I deliberately have varied
my technical experience in order to have at least sampled as much of
the smorgasbord as was practical.
It still seems reasonable to think of this book as being directed
mainly toward the novice. He should not be overwhelmed by the great
variety of technical variants now available. It will not really matter
very much which cross-linked plastic embedment he uses, which alkaline
lead hydroxide stain he employs, which osmium tetroxide formulation
he fixes with, or even whether or not he uses an aldehyde fixation before
osmium tetroxide. If used successfully, any of the general purpose
variants lead to nearly identical results in the end. A reasonable educational program for the beginner is outlined (Appendix A), but if difficulties are encountered with any one section of it, certainly substitution
can and should be made.
Los Angeles,
California
September
1964
DANIEL C. PEASE