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Thanks to Jim Heuer for the info about the Static Master available from VWR. The Zero Stat guns are no longer available from any of the EM suppliers as far as I can tell, and I've been looking for a substitute source, or another item. Martin B. Garment Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences 1300 University Ave. Rm. 6687 Madison WI 53706 Voice (608) 262-9596 Fax (608) 262-0479 Email - mgarment@facstaff.wisc.edu

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I have been using a device for the last 20 years or so to eliminate static charges during microtomy. This device, the staticmaster is available from many large photography supply houses. Hilton Mollenhauer introduced me to it, and I have yet to find a better remedy to the static problem. This device is a small cartridge, available in 3 sizes (I use the smallest). It is meant to attach to a special camel-hair brush for removing dust particles from negatives prior to printing. The cartridge itself consists of an element containing a polonium source, an alpha emitter, and is effective for about 5 years. I mount the cartridge (w/ double-stick tape) as near as possible to the knife edge on the microtome...the result is no static attraction problems. Of course, since its a radiation source, it must be disposed of properly when exhausted. It is available from: NRD Inc., Grand Island, NY 14072 (800-525-8076). I have no interest in this company, I just like the product. -=W.L. Steffens=- Department of Veterinary Pathology College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia