Jon
Fixatives used to be described as additive or non additive.
Additive fixatives are those in which the fixing agent  attaches to the
protein molecule.
Non additive fixatives on the other hand cause changes in the proteins
that cause them to become changed, often used to be described as
denaturation.
e.g. formalin., picric acid are  additive, ethanol is non additive.
Because of the complexity of fixation and the great variety of agents
used, the terms additive and non additive are not now commonly used.
Barry

"Jon C. Kerr" wrote:

> Would someone mind explaining what an "additive fixative" is?
>
> Thanks,
> Jon Kerr
> Reference Pathology Services
> Sandy, Utah