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MICROSCOPE REAGENT CASE

MODEL: 'REAGENT CASE'

MAKER: BAUSCH & LOMB

c. 1900.

DESCRIPTION HISTORY

B and L Reagent Kit

B and L Reagent Kit

DESCRIPTION

Reagent kitReagent kit bottles This 'Reagent Kit' is made of cherry wood with finger-jointed corners. It is signed with a label on top as shown to the left. Most of the bottles no longer have labels but three still do, and these are shown to the right. They include Aniline Fuchine from Chas. Truax of Chicago, (label applied over a Bausch & Lomb label), a bottle of King's 'Lacquer Cell and Finish for Microscopical Work' prepared by J.D. King of Cottage City, Mass, and, and a bottle of 'Finest Gold Size' by Bausch & Lomb.


HISTORY

Reagent kitReagent kit bottles By the late nineteenth century, stains were becomming commonly used in the preparation of subjects for the microscope, especially for thin histology sections. With this came a need for a variety of supplies. This case provided storage for a number of reagents, each secured in its own bottle in a stepped design to facilitate easy access and identification. As can be seen from the images from the B & L catalog, the user had their choice of the type of bottles. The bottles with this kit are number 9022, which have pipette stoppers with a perforation to allow precise control of dispensing. This case, along with a slide making kit, would form an integral part of the equipment for a well-equipped microscopist. It should be noted that we now know that Aniline Dyes are strong carcinogens; one wonders how many microscopists and others who worked with these died of bladder cancer.