A rapid procedure for preparation of radulae for routine research with the Scanning Electron Microscope

About ten years ago the first publications appeared on the use of the Scanning Electron Microscope (hereafter abbreviated SEM) for research on radulae (Runham & Thornton, 1967; Thompson & Hinton, 1968). This instrument has now proved to be an eminent tool and the method as such is becoming more and more a routine procedure for many malacologists. Prior to viewing the specimens with a SEM, the preparation procedure is an essential step. Data on this procedure have been given briefly in most publications dealing with the SEM-method for radulae. The only survey of methods of preparation has been given by Solem (1972).