Biological staining for microscopical contrast: being an account of the history and use of synthetic dyes and particularly methylene blue

摘要

Dyes used as biological stains aid in the detection of structures in specimens under a microscope. Natural dyes date back to prehistoric times and early microscopists used them until a chemistry breakthrough made synthetic dyes available. The history of the development of dyes and stains, especially for biological purposes, is examined. The nature of methylene blue and its uses as a stain, indicator, and even as a medicine is reviewed.