In a message dated 4/12/99 8:41:51 PM, emry@u.washington.edu writes:

<<I am cutting decalcified specimens of jaw joint in paraffin blocks.  On
occasion, I run into what appears to be tiny lumps of calcium that leaves
holes across the specimen as it is pulled across the knife.  Is there a
way to deal with this IN the block?>>

You can decalcify the surface of the block.   We find it best to place a dish 
of your favorite decalcifier on ice and place the block face down in the dish 
for 10-20 minutes.   Then rinse the block in cold water and resume cutting.  
All the while it is best to keep the block wet and cold.   Hope this helps.  
For futher information check our website at http://www.decal-bone.com

Cliff Berger
Decal Chemical Corp
1-800-428-5856
email:decalchem@aol.com
http://www.decal-bone.com