Double-sided Microscopic Observation of Meiofauna Using an HS-Slide

Abstract

A new plastic frame, named HS-slide (HIGGINS -SHIRAYAMA slide), was devised for better microscopic observation of meiofaunal specimens from both sides of a glycerol-mounted slide. The frame has a rectangular hole of 16×22mm, and a rectangular depression of 23×25×1.0mm so as to have a flange of 2 to 3mm wide around the hole. The flange of the frame holds a coverslip of 22×24mm. A specimen is mounted on it, and covered by another coverslip of an appropriate size. This frame is made of acrylic resin and resistant to most organic solvent, e.g., xylene, often used as a thinner of canada balsam. The HS-slide was found to have some advantages over the Cobb aluminum frame conventionally used for making a microscopic slide with two coverslips. The HS-slide was solid enough to resist bending or twisting, and only a slight focusing was needed when it was reversed to observe a nematode specimen from another side. Judging from these facts, the HS-slide was considered to be a useful new device for microscopic observation of meiofaunal organisms.