For microscopic study of anatomically preserved plant remains in a carbonate coal ball, this technique transfers thin sections of the fossilized plant material to clear, cellulose acetate sheets. Successive peels can be used to prepare serial sections.

1. Grind one surface of a coal ball slab (cut by a diamond saw) to a smooth finish, using #600 grit carborundum and water on a glass plate.

2. Rinse the ground surface thoroughly in running water.

3. Etch the surface by holding it for about 20 seconds submerged in 5% HCl (this will not harm the skin of your hands).

4. Rinse surface carefully under running water. Do not touch the surface.

5. Allow surface to dry in air for several minutes.

6. Support coal ball in a gravel box so that surface is level.

7. Flood surface with acetone and apply a piece of cellulose acetate cut to the proper size. Place one edge down first into the acetone so that air is not included.

8. Allow the film to dry for at least 20 minutes, then peel it from the surface.

9. The peeled film may be examined under a dissecting microscope (smooth side up is best).

10. Permanent slides can be made by mounting a small piece of the acetate in a mounting medium such as Eukitt in the usual way. Cut a small rectangle of the peel that contains the fossil remains you want to view under the microscope. Soak the peel in 5% HCl until it stops bubbling. Rinse it, dry it thoroughly, and then mount on glass slide.