Foreword

Summary

This is a well-written, beautifully illustrated manual for electron microscopy. It reflects Elaine Hunter's very considerable experience in this field and offers both those setting out to use electron microscopic techniques and experienced individuals very useful information.

In tradition, this book is related to Electron Microscopy, A Handbook for Biologists written by Edgar Mercer, who was in charge of the Electron Microscopy suite at the John Curtin School of Medical Research at the Australian National University during my sojourn there as a postdoctoral fellow and Daniel Pease's Histological Techniques for Electron Microscopy used when I established an electron microscopy laboratory in Toronto in the 1960s. In Ms. Hunter's book the reader is taken through chapters on the handling of tissues and the necessary steps in fixation, processing, embedding, and examination of tissue to assure the best results from electron microscopy. I particularly like the comparative photographs with which the author illustrates the use of different techniques in tissue preparation and believe the “trouble-shooting” guide, when using an electron microscope, most useful. Special techniques commonly used in electron microscopy are covered and details of the importance of recording observations photographically are given. Above all, the importance of keeping detailed records of all activities is emphasized. Information related to protection of the health of those engaged in electron microscopy and for the disposal of noxious agents used is not forgotten.

Elaine Hunter is to be congratulated, not only in extending tradition but, in this book, making a reader aware of technology in this field.