I wanted to inform my fellow botanists about an interesting development from Rutgers scientists. Chloral hydrate is a long-used standard in microscopy for clearing and mounting botanicals. It is recommended by the FDA, the AHPA, the USP, just about every pharmacopoeia. Unfortunately, due to its use as a date rape drug, chloral hydrate is a schedule IV DEA substance and requires a hefty permit to possess (legally). Scientists at Rutgers have developed a working substitute for chloral hydrate in microscopic applications, and it is known as Visikol. An interesting solution to an old problem, and it may be useful for anyone interested in microscopy. They have some pictures on the website that are quite astonishing. Cheers! Tom
