AbstractA modified Mayer hematoxylin stain that can be combined with either phloxinelsaffron or eosin for general staining 01 as a counterstain is presented. This method uses 10% less alum, and chloral hydrate is replaced by absolute ethanol, a more effective penetrator and bacteriostat. Phenol is recommended for formalin pigment removal in formaldehyde fixed tissues to effect a more esthetically pleasing section with most techniques. Saffron bought through the health food stores is 8 times less expensive than that bought commercially. (The J Histotechnol14:163, 1991)