Kathryn, I'm dealing with a similar problem.  I'm sectioning hairs into 1.5 mm sections for isotopic analysis.  When I cut them with a razor, the pieces tend to flip out of the watchglass like tiddly-winks.  The best solution so far has been to fold a piece of parafilm around the hair then cut the sections from that.  I have to be careful when picking up the hair sections from the parafilm to not get pieces of wax onto the tweezers - so far, my numbers have been consistent whether from using parafilm or not.  Is there a possibility of you using something like that?  I'd be interested in how you solve your problem.  I'm looking for alternatives as well so please respond back to the server with your findings.  best of luck, ginny
>
> From: Kathryn Thomas <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: 2001/07/09 Mon PM 05:59:35 EDT
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [ISOGEOCHEM] Embedding Agent for Teeth?
>
> Hi All:
>
> I'm going to be running oxygen isotopes from tooth enamel phosphate (using
> a modified O'Neil method).  I would like to thin-section the teeth prior to
> sampling.  Can anybody recommend an appropriate embedding agent for this
> (epoxy? embedding resin?)?  I'm looking for something that doesn't affect
> the isotope values and that is transparent enough to be able to see through
> during the sectioning process.
>
> Thanks very much!
> Kathryn Thomas
>
>
> *************************************
> Kathryn Thomas
> Department of Geology
> 174 Physics/Geology Building
> University of California, Davis
> One Shields Avenue
> Davis, CA  95616
> (530)752-0350
> [log in to unmask]
>
> "...in such minutiae lie the only
> keys to the most interesting riddles
> offered by the extinct animal world."
>                  --T.H. Huxley, 1862
> **************************************
>

Virginia C. Cornett
Florida International University
Department of Biological Sciences

"No one should do that which if everyone did would destroy society."  Immanual Kant