[Histonet] Re: Disposal of Old Dyestuffs

[John Difford]

To:Margaret A. Rakas, Ph.D.
Manager, Inventory & Regulatory Affairs
Clark Science Center
Smith College
Northampton, MA. 01063


Dear Ms Rakas,

I understand from your inquiry that you are proposing to dispose of some
old dyestuffs which are no longer required by your College.

PLEASE DO NOT DO IT!

Many old dyes are no longer produced and are almost irreplaceable. They
should be preserved by a responsible body in case a new use is found for an
old technique in the future and your samples are the only source of the dye
needed.

Perhaps the National Society for Histotechnology would be willing to hold
such samples for the use of posterity? It would at least be an idea to try
them.

John Difford
Histopathology
Royal Free Hospital
London
England, UK