Search found 4175 matches

by mrsonchus
Wed Aug 26, 2015 1:29 am
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Dyed In The Wax!
Replies: 11
Views: 5104

Re: Dyed In The Wax!

Aha gekko - that's very generous of you, thank you. I've always got time for a good sleep - one of my favourite hobbies! :D Pleased you're enjoying the investigations.. :D Thanks for your interest and complement. :) p.s. I'm looking forward to taking some images of the dewaxed and mounted sections, ...
by mrsonchus
Wed Aug 26, 2015 12:16 am
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Something different :-)
Replies: 6
Views: 2641

Re: Something different :-)

Superb image, very interested to see more of the structure...
by mrsonchus
Wed Aug 26, 2015 12:12 am
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Dyed In The Wax!
Replies: 11
Views: 5104

Rooting about

Here are a few more of the quick pictures taken from tonight's LS root-sectioning attempt; ws_700x525_root_long-stack.jpg ws_700x525_root_long-0006.jpg ws_700x525_root_long-0005.jpg And a quick look at the stem belonging to the owner of the root XS - Sonchus.asper; ws_700x525_slide_12_sonchus_asper_...
by mrsonchus
Wed Aug 26, 2015 12:01 am
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Dyed In The Wax!
Replies: 11
Views: 5104

Turning a XS into a LS

Hi all, I've had a go at re-orientating, trimming and re-embedding a couple of root parts originally intended fot the cross-sections seen above. I trimmed them parallel to the lateral-root (along each side of it, across the main tap root whence it originated.. Here's the orientation in the mould tha...
by mrsonchus
Tue Aug 25, 2015 7:08 pm
Forum: Beginner's corner
Topic: xylol - xylene?
Replies: 13
Views: 10955

Re: xylol - xylene?

Thanks for the elaboration. ...but now there are a couple little marks from the scratches I made.. .......... I think I got over zealous here :) Very easily done my friend, very easily done - we've all done this I'm sure, I know I have - the only way around it was to lower my expectations for the c...
by mrsonchus
Tue Aug 25, 2015 7:02 pm
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Desmid:
Replies: 10
Views: 3487

Re: Desmid:

Rodney, the picture you see on the screen of the camera is set nice & bright so that you can see it properly, the actual picture and exposure used for the photograph is the 'darker' one you see briefly as the camera applies it's settings immediately before the image is captured..... You can set expo...
by mrsonchus
Tue Aug 25, 2015 6:55 pm
Forum: Beginner's corner
Topic: xylol - xylene?
Replies: 13
Views: 10955

Re: xylol - xylene?

Hmm, I don't think I'd want much to do with Xylene for several reasons - I agree with Oliver, too risky. I always use the squirty-lens-cleaner in a little spray bottle from Asda myself - perhaps a good way to go may be one of the special camera-sensor cleaning kits? Good luck, be careful, cautious a...
by mrsonchus
Tue Aug 25, 2015 3:17 pm
Forum: Camera systems and imaging
Topic: what kind of adapter to use DSLR on a monocular scope?
Replies: 15
Views: 10907

Re: what kind of adapter to use DSLR on a monocular scope?

Crater Eddie wrote:You can't beat the USB cameras for convenience and ease of use.
However, the two AmScope USB cameras that I have experience with are just mediocre as far as image quality goes.
CE
That's it in a nutshell Eddie! :)
by mrsonchus
Tue Aug 25, 2015 4:05 am
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Dyed In The Wax!
Replies: 11
Views: 5104

Re: Dyed In The Wax!

Here is the gnarled-looking (tap) root of the Sonchus seen sectioned above... ws_700x525_sow_thistle (12).jpg I had a go at a bit of dissection and hand-sectioned a few thick 'slices' (XS) for processing and ultimately an encounter with the microtome. While doing this I noticed how the 'outer layer'...
by mrsonchus
Tue Aug 25, 2015 3:36 am
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Dyed In The Wax!
Replies: 11
Views: 5104

Re: Dyed In The Wax!

I've had a read of some details of the metachromatic-staining technique (with TB0) and it seems that the blue areas are lignified (i.e. 'reinforced and strong) cell-walls and the purple-ish tissues are non-lignified. Looking at the distribution of colour in the images it seems to make perfect sense ...
by mrsonchus
Tue Aug 25, 2015 3:24 am
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Dyed In The Wax!
Replies: 11
Views: 5104

Re: Dyed In The Wax!

Indeed, I like your professional-looking images! Very beautiful too! Thank you! :) The deployment of the metachromasia of TB0 is a very simple and effective technique it seems, especially the wax-staining method, very fast results and very good tissue-protection! It's like cheating with counterstai...
by mrsonchus
Tue Aug 25, 2015 3:01 am
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Dyed In The Wax!
Replies: 11
Views: 5104

Re: Dyed In The Wax!

Thanks gekko, that's very encouraging and kind. :)
by mrsonchus
Tue Aug 25, 2015 2:52 am
Forum: Camera systems and imaging
Topic: what kind of adapter to use DSLR on a monocular scope?
Replies: 15
Views: 10907

Re: what kind of adapter to use DSLR on a monocular scope?

Hi, well, the requirement for (decent) video swings it back to a DSLR for me, the USB cameras are pretty rubbish at video - USB3 would be the only way to go, and at this time comes at a heavy price, before you start to consider your computer's ability to use it. With your requirements in mind my own...
by mrsonchus
Mon Aug 24, 2015 10:32 pm
Forum: Beginner's corner
Topic: phase contrast centering eyepiece, really required?
Replies: 23
Views: 9551

Re: phase contrast centering eyepiece, really required?

Hi, I had a phase-contrast equipped Swift Collegiate 'scope and also found that simply peering directly down the eyetube was easily a good enough method of alignment, I found it really rather easy to see and judge. Personally, whip off the eyepiece and have a look, you'll probably be able to see you...
by mrsonchus
Mon Aug 24, 2015 10:23 pm
Forum: Camera systems and imaging
Topic: what kind of adapter to use DSLR on a monocular scope?
Replies: 15
Views: 10907

Re: what kind of adapter to use DSLR on a monocular scope?

Hmm, I definitely agree with gekko and Oliver here, I had a Canon DSLR (1200D - entry level but more than adequate) on the top of my vertical trinocular tube and in use it was a pain. I spent so much time trying to stop it vibrating away any sharpness achieved, and yes I invested in a Meiji 'project...
by mrsonchus
Mon Aug 24, 2015 5:33 pm
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Three Plant-Section Thicknesses Compared
Replies: 29
Views: 11750

Re: Three Plant-Section Thicknesses Compared

Just wondering what you feel are the principle main difference is accounting for the quality variation between the Shandon microtome and the rocking microtome? Is it primarily the sharpness of the blades or is it a case of precision or other? Hi apo' - a good question, I would say the main criterio...
by mrsonchus
Mon Aug 24, 2015 6:03 am
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Dyed In The Wax!
Replies: 11
Views: 5104

Dyed In The Wax!

Hi all, here's an interesting subject that I stumbled across online some time ago, and now have the capability to try with a chance of some meaningful results, now being able to rely on good-sectioning and thus remove section-integrity as a surely complicating factor... The method is of staining a s...
by mrsonchus
Mon Aug 24, 2015 5:37 am
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Three Plant-Section Thicknesses Compared
Replies: 29
Views: 11750

Re: Three Plant-Section Thicknesses Compared

I, for one, will be observing your experiments with polarization. I have an American Optical Polstar scope that has been begging me to put it to use. Hi einman, the 'Polstar' looks to be an absolutely beautiful instrument! :) I'll be a while yet I'm afraid before starting off with polarization but ...
by mrsonchus
Sun Aug 23, 2015 11:32 pm
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Three Plant-Section Thicknesses Compared
Replies: 29
Views: 11750

Re: Three Plant-Section Thicknesses Compared

I definitely think the 10 um image is the best. In fact, quite a bit better than the other two. Have you tried other stains and alternative lighting techniques; Rheinberg. oblique , or UGF filters? They can bring out cell wall structure as well as the goodies inside. Looking forward to more of your...
by mrsonchus
Sun Aug 23, 2015 10:23 pm
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Three Plant-Section Thicknesses Compared
Replies: 29
Views: 11750

Re: Three Plant-Section Thicknesses Compared

Thanks Bill, more to come soon, the 'in wax' and 'Toluidine Blue stain' threads with some interesting and striking lateral-root endogenous-formation pictures incorporating both. Can't wait, should get them up quite soon, although I've a very busy day ahead tomorrow, lots of driving to do - yuk! :cry...
by mrsonchus
Sun Aug 23, 2015 7:50 pm
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Three Plant-Section Thicknesses Compared
Replies: 29
Views: 11750

Three Plant-Section Thicknesses Compared

Hi again all, following my earlier post, I've now got a set of 3 sections over a range of section-thicknesses, cut with the delectable Shandon microtome... I've some 5µ, 10µ and 15µ sections that are stained similarly in Safranin and permanently mounted in 'Numount' - a modern substitute for 'Canada...
by mrsonchus
Sun Aug 23, 2015 12:08 am
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Quick look at early Shandon Sections
Replies: 11
Views: 5714

Re: Quick look at early Shandon Sections

Hi all, had a very busy and productive day today and managed to get some good work done on the sections, I've been able to stain & mount the 'middle thickness' Carex.pendula leaf sections, to complete the set of 15µ-10µ-5µ for comparisons to be attempted... I've only got a limited time this evening ...
by mrsonchus
Sat Aug 22, 2015 8:50 pm
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Elodée Egeria densa
Replies: 5
Views: 2360

Re: Elodée Egeria densa

Lovely vivid pictures, very nice indeed! :)
by mrsonchus
Fri Aug 21, 2015 11:49 pm
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Quick look at early Shandon Sections
Replies: 11
Views: 5714

Re: Quick look at early Shandon Sections

Thanks Bill, had no real time today but did get some 5µ sections similarly stained & mounted, a comparison of the 2 thicknesses is very interesting, one is I think a little thick, the other a little thin, for varying reasons. I suspect the middle, i.e. 10µ may prove to be the optimum for this specim...
by mrsonchus
Fri Aug 21, 2015 2:46 pm
Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
Topic: Quick look at early Shandon Sections
Replies: 11
Views: 5714

Re: Quick look at early Shandon Sections

Many thanks gekko & vasselle, I'm pleased you like them. :)
by mrsonchus
Fri Aug 21, 2015 2:43 pm
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Lentilles eau
Replies: 9
Views: 3997

Re: Lentilles eau

Rodney wrote:Thanks John B. Good gosh that was simple translation, I just right clicked on the page, a window popped up that had translate to english, took 2 seconds or less.

Rodney
That'll make like easier - I was delighted too when I discovered it! :)
by mrsonchus
Fri Aug 21, 2015 9:38 am
Forum: My microscope
Topic: It's here - my shiny new Brunel SP200
Replies: 10
Views: 6951

Re: It's here - my shiny new Brunel SP200

Hi John, You are really getting "tooled up"... New microtome, fine microscope,...etc...etc... You will really get a lot of enjoyment from a well supplied lab... BillT Hi Bill, you're right there old chap! I got to the stage where I just wanted to concentrate on my love of botany without the constan...
by mrsonchus
Fri Aug 21, 2015 9:17 am
Forum: My microscope
Topic: It's here - my shiny new Brunel SP200
Replies: 10
Views: 6951

Re: It's here - my shiny new Brunel SP200

Hi Apo', yes it's a beauty to use, the low transport-controls allow the hand to rest on the bench in use and of course to operate the focus easily with a minimum if any hand re-positioning. For a Chinese 'scope it certainly fulfills a high percentage of my needs and wants. :)
by mrsonchus
Fri Aug 21, 2015 9:10 am
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Lentilles eau
Replies: 9
Views: 3997

Re: Lentilles eau

Hi Seb, a beautifully-stacked set of crystal-clear and interesting pictures - very nice to look at. :)
by mrsonchus
Fri Aug 21, 2015 9:08 am
Forum: Pictures and Videos
Topic: Lentilles eau
Replies: 9
Views: 3997

Re: Lentilles eau

Those are very nice, thanks for the translation because I only know a few French, and would not have time to look all of them up. Rodney Hi Rodney, if you're using Windows you may be able to get your browser to translate a page for you - I'm using Google-Chrome browser on a Windows machine and am a...