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Cook’s Copper Hematoxylin

Cook’s Copper Hematoxylin

7
steps
4
materials

Materials

MaterialAmountFunction
Hematoxylin10 gDye
Cupric sulfate2.5 gMordant
Potassium aluminum sulfate15 gMordant
Distilled water100 mLSolvent

Compounding procedure

  1. Place the dry powders in a mortar and grind together.
  2. Add sufficient water to make a paste.
  3. Leave for 48 hours, then add the remaining water.
  4. Leave for a further 12 hours, and filter.

Protocol

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

Expected Results

  • Nuclei  –  blue-black
  • Background  –  as counterstain or unstained

Notes

  • The staining time should be determined by trial.
  • The original method called for 15 grams of “extract of logwood”. Gray comments that this has about 70% dye content, so it has been specified to use 10 grams of dye.

Safety Note

Prior to handling any chemical, consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for proper handling and safety precautions.

References

  1. Gray, Peter. (1954)
    The Microtomist’s Formulary and Guide.
    Originally published by: The Blakiston Co.
    Republished by: Robert E. Krieger Publishing Co.
    Citing:
    Hogg, J. (1883)
    The microscope
    Routledge, London, England