A Method of replicating Dry or Moist Surfaces for Examination by Light Microscopy

Abstract

THE use of transparent replicas is a convenient method for the microscopic study of surfaces. Perfectly dry structures can be replicated with plastic substances such as ‘Collodion’, ‘Formvar’ or methacrylate, but a serious disadvantage to the general use of these materials is that they ‘mist’ when allowed to harden in a moist atmosphere. Accordingly, they cannot be used satisfactorily with specimens that either become distorted when dry or, like many biological specimens, have a naturally wet surface. The following method, which overcomes this difficulty, consists essentially of taking a primary impression of the surface with a silicone rubber plastic and using this to form secondary transparent replicas.