Wow, that's remarkably
interesting my friend.
I always thought in my shameful ignorance

that a fish-scale was just an inert 'chunk of hard stuff'. This is the first time I've seen such a glimpse not only of course of the familiar growth-pattern of a scale, but the constituent parts that give it, as you say, it's particular characteristics.
This is a great example of why microscopy is such a fascinating pursuit. Detail is all around us, waiting simply for someone to 'be interested'. I find exactly the same fascination with plant structure and minutiae.
Thanks for a very nice post and description of the structures therein.
John B.
p.s. - I too would be very interested to see what a shubunkin's scale has to offer.... maybe just one wafer-thin scale wouldn't be missed - for the sake of science of course!
