Table Black

An article on the usage of table black for microscopy.

Table Black

An excellent method of dying wood with anilin black has been devised. This black is lusterless, and it is indestructible. It can be removed only by scraping off the wood to a point deeper than the stain has penetrated.

It must be applied to unwaxed or unvarnished wood. If wax paint or varnish has been used on the tables, that must be first removed by the use of caustic potash or soda or by scraping or planing. Two solutions are needed:

Solution A

Copper sulphate 125 grams

Potassium chlorate or permanganate. ....... 125 grams

Water 1000 cc.

Boil these ingredients in an iron kettle until they are dissolved. Apply two coats of the hot solution. Let the first coat dry before applying the second.

Solution B

Anilin oil 120 cc.

Hydrochloric acid 180 cc.

Water 1000 cc.

Mix these in a glass vessel, putting in the water first. Apply two coats without heating, but allow the first coat to dry before adding the second.

When the second coat is dry, sandpaper the wood and dust off the excess chemicals. Then wash the wood well with water. When dry, sandpaper the surface and then rub thoroughly with a mixture of equal parts turpentine and linseed oil. The wood may appear a dirty green at first, but it will soon become ebony black. If the excess chemicals are not removed the table will crock.

Turpentine or with turpentine alone will clean the surface. This is sometimes called the Danish method, Denmark black or finish. See Jour. Ap. Micr., Vol. I, p. 145; Bot. Zeit., Vol. 54, p. 326; Bot. Gazette, Vpl. 24, p. 66; Dr. P. A. Fish, Jour. Ap. Micr., Vol. VI, pp. 211-212.

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