Tradition
The most widely read parts of the journals and newsletters
produced for microscopists are the 'How to do it' and technical
hints and tips sections because of the wide interest in new or
adapted methodologies and because of the paucity of easily
available text sources. There has been a tradition for over a
century that general microscopical texts devoted to the optical
aspects of microscopy and the use of instruments contain some
information on the techniques of microtomy and most include brief
mentions of specimen preparation but these are perforce
invariably totally inadequate for the serious worker whether
amateur or professional.
Classical texts becoming rare
One of the most common and regular requests from the former group
is for books on microtechnique which are consulted for practical
aid and guidance as well as for general pleasure and interest.
Sadly the great classic texts of the past on microtechnique like
Bolles Lee are hard to come by, costly and becoming rapidly
dated. The more up to date and immensely useful Peacock in its
various editions is now so rare as to be collectible and other
more modern titles like Gray are priced beyond the reach of most
amateurs. Much information on individual techniques appears in
the columns of the scientific research journals but access to
these is restricted to the professional specialists who subscribe
or to those who have the time and opportunity to cull the
literature of academe.
A need for a modern reference on microtechniques
There has then been a longfelt need for a handbook that would
provide a guide to the wide range of biological microtechniques
available and which drew on the vast store of experience of the
past and at the same time took into account the enormous strides
and developments of the last few decades and which would be
accessible not only to professional researchers but to amateurs
seeking to aquire and develop skills in the production of plant
and animal preparations for microscopical examination. This was a
daunting task for any one worker to enbark upon and many felt
that because of the vast field to be covered the likelihood of
one individual succeeding in the undertaking was a remote one.
The sceptics have however been confounded by the publication of
Sandersons magnum opus.
A book to satisfy the needs of the amateur and the
professional
His comparatively short but information packed volume satisfies
most of the demands of the practicing professional researcher and
virtually every every need that the amateur microscopist is
likely to experience.
The brief ten page Introduction sets the style and standard maintained throughout the work providing a historical introduction and sections on the methodology and rationale of the collection of material, choice of preparation technique and examination of preparations. The author presents information in a crisp readable format in language which is unpretentious and accessible. The main body of the work consists of six sections devoted to Fixation, Tissue Processing, Microtomy, Other Preparative Methods, Staining and Dying and 'Finishing the Preparation'.
Layout and structure
Each main section is divided into headed subsections on
specialist subsidiary topics making easy the finding of
information on particular methods or the preparation of specific
types of material. The text is supported by illustrations and
figures including photographs, line drawings and flowcharts all
of which are clear and relevant. The line drawings are worthy of
special comment for their precision and clarity. There is no
example of of an illustration being added for decoration
including that concerned with the sinister use of the ringing
table. Tables providing the formulae and protocols of the various
methodologies and techniques of preparation are clearly laid out
and easy to follow and the advantages and disadvantages attached
to each are clearly discussed in the text.
'Hands-on' experience
The author has consulted and tested the microtechniques in the
vast literature of the past and more recent present in the
preparation of his critique and throughout the text he
acknowledges the work of others, both professional and amateur,
providing extensive reference lists at the end of each chapter
which enable more detailed follow up by interested workers.
Duality of usefulness maintained
Whilst primarily intended for the use and reference of
professional workers with access to advanced and complex
equipment the book also meets the needs of amateurs working alone
with few resources whose concerns were obviously well to the fore
in the authors mind throughout his preparation of the text. There
is no doubt that the ingenuity shown by amateurs over the years
in attempting to develop technical aids comparable to those
available to the professional will be aided by the illustrations
and lucid descriptions he provides.
A milestone achieved!
This economically priced and overall visually attractive
publication though a paperback is substantially produced to
withstand hard wear and provide long service. The author,
quite rightfully, has in one fell swoop achieved a place in the
halls of fame of microtomy. His book should be in the
hands of all microscopists who seek to widen their knowledge and
improve their skills. Hopefully it will remain in print for some
time only to be replaced by the next updated edition.
F.St.D.Rowntree
Book details: ISBN 1-872748-42-2; 1994 ;UK pounds18.95/ US $37.95; Bios Scientific Publishers
Available from the publishers; 9 Newtec Place, Magdalen Road, Oxford OX4 1RE. UK. Or in the US, PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 0605-20172.
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