Hoyer's mountant/fixative

[Terry Delaney]

In article <199512191602.LAA17509 at top.magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu>,
kramer.8 at OSU.EDU (David W. Kramer) wrote:

> Joan Hudson asked:
> 
> >Could someone supply me with the recipe or the reference for the
> >recipe for Hoyer's mountant/fixative.  Thank you.
> 
> Here it is:
> 
> Hoyer's Medium
>         gum arabic                              30.0 g
>         glycerol                                    16.0 ml
>         chloral hydrate                    200.0 g
>         distilled water                         50.0 ml
> 
> Dissolve gum in water, a little heat helps; add chloral hydrate, then
glycerol.
 ref's clipped..
> [CAUTION:  I don't have the info at my finger tips but I think chloral
> hydrate is carcinogenic.  You will want to check before using this with
> students or even for yourself.]
> 
> Dr. David W. Kramer

It is worth pointing out, that chloral hydrate is a controlled substance,
and thus not *that easy* to procure.  Here in NY, I was required to get
both State and Federal Permits to use the stuff.  I wouldn't recommend CH
for student use, as the fumes are strong and headache-causing.  Despite
these problems, CH is an excellent clearing agent; I'll have to try
Hoyer's medium for permanent mounts...  

Terry Delaney


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  Terrence P. Delaney           Department of Plant Pathology
  Cornell University                           (607) 255-7856
  334 Plant Science Building               FAX (607) 255-4471
  Ithaca, NY 14853-4203                      tpd4 at cornell.edu
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