A Simple Method for Collecting and Mounting Ribboned Serial Sections of Epoxy Embedded Specimens

A simple and rapid method of handling ribboned serial sections of epoxy embedded specimens is described. Ribbons are cut from a block having the leading and trailing sides coated with contact cement. A scoop made from polyethylene tubing is used to remove a ribbon of sections from the boat of a glass or diamond knife and to transfer it to a pool of water on a microscope slide. Many ribbons (comprising hundreds of sections) can be mounted on a single slide. This method requires the construction of only one simple, inexpensive tool, the polyethylene scoop, and otherwise utilizes only items commonly available in the laboratory.