Marking microscope slides

The Collection Manager in Invertebrate Paleontology here has several
questions about markings on microscope slides.  She has a collection
of thin slices from core samples that are mounted on glass
microscope slides. Previous researchers marked the areas on the
slides of interest to them with black circles, using an unknown ink.
The current researcher has marked the areas he is interested in with
squares made by red and green Sharpie brand pens.  The features that
the researchers study are so tiny that it is critical to have the
region of the slide marked to locate them.  The Collection Manager's
questions are:

    1.  Are the red and green (or the black) ink marks permanent, or
        will they likely fade?

    2.  Is there a better way to make permanent marks on glass
        microscope slides?

    3.  Should she consider trying to digitize these images to show
        where the marked areas are and not worry about the ink
        fading?

John E. Simmons
Collection Manager, Natural History Museum and
Coordinator, Historical Administration and Museum Studies Program
University of Kansas
Dyche Hall
1345 Jayhawk Boulevard
Lawrence, Kansas 66045-7561
785-864-4508
Fax: 785-864-5335


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:33
                 Distributed: Friday, October 19, 2001
                       Message Id: cdl-15-33-020
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