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Make a 1% solution of Formvar in methylene chloride (chloroform will work

too). Chill the solution and some glass slides (leave them outside with a

cover to keep the snow off). Dip a toothpick in the Formvar solution and

place drops on a slide, then catch snowflakes on a piece of black velvet or

something similar. With a toothpick wetted with the solution, touch a

snowflake ever so slightly and it will cling so you can transfer it to a drop

on the slide. Cover the slide and let the solvent evaporate (this happens

very quickly). Take the slide inside and the snowflake will melt, leaving the

Formvar replica. (To preserve the most delicate structure, leave the slide

outside longer to let the water sublimate).

This is a great treatment for cabin fever. Happy New Year.

Paul Grover

Pbgrover@aol.com