[Histonet] Hydrometer questions

[Tim Wheelock]

Hi everyone:

I wanted to thank everyone who gave me advice regarding my Luxol Fast 
Blue problem.

First, I am going to compare using a very old LFB bottle (from the 
1950s) and a new bottle.
Then I will stain some test slides for 2 hours and 24 hours at 60C.
(I am having my oven checked this morning by facilities).


To find out how much water is really in my 95% ethanol, I am assuming 
that I need a hydrometer.
(I will also be using it to measure the isopropanol concentrations on my 
tissue processor).

Is there a type of hydrometer that labs use for these purposes?
Where do you buy yours from?
Can the alcohol/water concentrations be read right off of the 
hydrometer, like temperature is from a thermometer, or do you need to 
use an equation.
I have never used a hydrometer before.

Thank you,

Tim Wheelock
Harvard Brain Bank
McLean Hospital
Belmont, MA
617-855-3592