This study of plant anatomy is based on newly available data on the structure and spatial organization of the vascular system of plants. For the first time, by means of a new technique of intracellular moulding, the vascular system can be observed in its length.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS OF MICROCASTING: Histogenesis, Structure and Function of the Xylem: Overview; Histogenesis, Structure and Function of the XylemThe Primary Xylem of Angiosperms: Advantage of Vascular Casting; The Heterogeneous Vessels; The Branched VesselsThe Secondary Xylem of Dicotyledons: Advantage of Vascular Casting; Formation of Vessel Ends; Occasional Branching of Vessels; The Effects of Constraints and Cambial Deformations on Vascular Morphology; Vascular Junctions Between Adjacent Axes; Vascular Junctions Between a Hemiparasite and its HostThe Xylem of Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms: Advantage of Casting of Tracheids; The Xylem of Pteridophytes; The Xylem of GymnospermsIntercellular Spaces and Canals. Phloem and ParenchymaAdvantage of Casting; Casting in Spaces and Canals; Intracellular Casting in Parenchyma; Casting in the Sieve Tubes of Phloem; PerspectivesTHE TECHNIQUE OF MICROCASTING: IntroductionPreparation of Plant Material: Descriptive Profile; Planes of Section; Treatment of the Spaces to be Cast; Obstacles to the Progression of the Casting Agent through the TissuesInjection of the Casting Agent: Principle of Injection; Degassing Apparatus; Degassing; Injection; Duration of Injection; Injection of Coloured ElastomerProperties and Crosslinking of the Casting Agent: Properties of Silicone Elastomer RTV 141; Practical Conditions for CrosslinkingChemical Destruction of Plant Tissues: Principle; Hydrolysis of Polysaccharides; Oxidation of LigninManipulation of Casts: Characteristics of Silicone Elastomer Casts; Manipulation; Photography of Casts