Gilson’s Fluid
Formula
| Material | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Nitric acid | 17 | mL |
| Acetic acid, glacial | 4 | mL |
| Mercuric chloride | 20 | g |
| Ethanol, 95% | 70 | mL |
| Distilled water | 900 | mL |
Dissolve the mercuric chloride in the water, then add the other ingredients.
Description
This is a general purpose anatomical fixative popular with zoologists. As with all mercuric chloride containing mixtures, tissues will contain mercury pigment which must be removed. Davenport notes that the amount of ethanol is so little that it probably has no effect and could be omitted.
Time
Fixation of average sized pieces of tissue should be complete after overnight treatment.
Aftertreatment
No particular treatment.
Safety Note
Prior to handling any chemical, consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for proper handling and safety precautions.
References
- Davenport, H.A., (1960),
Histological and histochemical techniques,
W. B. Saunders Co., London, UK., Oxford, UK.
