[Histonet] re: difference in hematoxylins

[Matthew Close]

  So, there are tons of hematoxylin recipes out there, and many, I find, are
very similar in their staining properties.  Yes, Richard Allen manufactures
a modification of Harris' Hematoxylin, which is essentially Harris' recipe
without the mercuric oxide.  I don't know how long Richard Allen's variety
of this stain keeps, but the traditional Harris' Hematoxylin was only good
for a few months.  I typically go with either Delafield's, Mayer's (Lillie
Mod.) or Ehrlich's Hematoxylin for general H&E staining.  These solutions
can be used for progressive or regressive techniques and keep for several
years.  My advice would be to sample a few bottles and see which one works
best for you.  Or, you could give a hand at making your own.  Hematoxylin is
very easy to make from essentially hematoxylin, alum (potassium or
ammonium), glycerin, sodium iodate, distilled water, alcohol and acetic
acid.