apparatus and method for permanently and protectively mounting &# 34 ; wet &# 34 ; thin sections of biological specimens on microscope slides , wherein each specimen is initially bathed in a low - volatile solvent containing a low concentration of first polymerizable material . such solvent is allowed to evaporate , whereby the liquid polymerizable material permeates and protects the specimen . following solvent evaporation , a second polymerizable material is layered over the specimen . preferably , the first and second polymerizable materials comprise a mixture of low - volatility , low - viscosity , liquid acrylic reactomers and a u . v . light - sensitive catalyst system . a conventional cover slip or other planar transparent member can be positioned over the polymerizable materials , and the same are polymerized by exposure to u . v . radiation . the first and second now - polymerized materials encapsulate the specimen on the microscope slide , become integral and completely hardened and are fully devoid of any solvent . the microscope slide is immediately available for examination .