The Dujardin coloring technique

The images shown are taken from a beautifully colored prepared slide from the archives of the Royal Antwerp Society for Micrography. The slide is already several decades old. It shows a cross-section of a twig of the plane tree. In spite of the age of the slide, the colors are still clear and fresh thanks to the use of the simple simultaneous Dujardin coloring method. During the coloring the colors were brought into balance with great skill, showing the various plant tissues. On the fluorescence image the plant various tissues are shown in a different manner.

The Dujardin coloring technique uses three dyes: astrablue, acridine red and chrysoidine. Acridine red and chrysoidine are combined into one dye solution. Astra blue is a separate solution. Both solutions are sustainable for years. The recipe and more information about this technique can be found in literature and on the internet.