Paraffin wax

Paraffin wax

Paraffin wax. A histologic laboratory requires two grades of paraffin for ordinary work. These are hard paraffin, melting at about 54 centigrade, and a softer paraffin melting at about 43 centigrade. Usually a mixture of equal parts answers very well. It is economical for a laboratory to buy the paraffin wax in cases of .about 100 kilograms.

All paraffin for imbedding and sectioning should be filtered through two thicknesses of filter paper. For this, use a metal funnel, heat the paraffin very hot in a water bath, and then heat the funnel occasionally with a Bunsen flame. The warmer the room the easier it is to filter the paraffin.

Filter the paraffin into small porcelain pitchers. If the paraffin oven has a compartment large enough, it is well to keep one of the pitchers in the oven; then the paraffin remains melted and is ready for use at any time.

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