Xylene-cellulose caprate as a histologic mounting medium of low refractive index.

A 50% solution of cellulose caprate in xylene forms a clear pale yellowish syrupy solution of proper consistency for mounting stained and unstained sections. Cover slips become immovable in 30 minutes and slides do not stick together after one-day drying. The refractive index of the xylene solution is 1.4860, of the dry resin 1.4734, and unstained sections remain easily visible. Most stains are well preserved. Prussian blue is well preserved, cobalt sulfide decolorizes in a month.