Friedlander's
Alum Hematoxylin

Ingredient	Amount	Function
Hematoxylin	6 g	Dye
Potassium alum	6 g	Mordant
Distilled water	300 mL	Solvent
95% ethanol	300 mL	Solvent
Glycerol	300 mL	Stabiliser

 

Compounding procedure
No directions are given, but from experience:–
Dissolve the alum in the water.
Dissolve the hematoxylin in the ethanol.
Combine, and add glyceol.

Method

1. Bring sections to water with xylene and ethanol.
2. Place into the staining solution for an appropriate time.
3. Rinse well with water.
4. Differentiate with acid ethanol if necessary.
5. Rinse with water and blue.
6. Rinse well with water.
7. Counterstain if desired.
8. Dehydrate with ethanol, clear with xylene and mount with a resinous medium.

Expected results

• Nuclei  –  blue
• Background  –  as counterstain or unstained

Notes

1. This is probably a regressive formula.
2. The staining time should be determined by trial.
3. Acid ethanol is 0.5% - 1% hydrochloric acid in 70% ethanol.
4. Blueing is done with alkaline solutions such as hard tap water, Scott’s tap water substitute, 0.1% ammonia water, 1% aqueous sodium acetate, 0.5% aqueous lithium carbonate etc.

 

Reference
Gray, Peter. (1954)
The Microtomist's Formulary and Guide.
Originally published by:– The Blakiston Co.
Republished by:– Robert E. Krieger Publishing Co.