Curtis' Substitute for Van Gieson Stain

A triple staining method is described in which nuclear staining is by Weigert's hematoxylin. The cytoplasmic and collagen staining is effected by the Curtis substitute for Van Gieson, in which ponceau S is substituted for acid fuchsin. Nuclear staining is sharper than with Delafield's hematoxylin. The red of the collagen fibers is probably not subject to fading. Unlike Van Gieson, this method gives staining of reticular as well as collagen fibers. The advantages of the method are its simplicity and reliability. The use of this method is made possible by a new source of reliable samples of the ponceau S called for in this method.