On Thu, 20 May 1999, vector@vectorlabs.com wrote:

> The Vector NovaRED peroxidase 
> substrate, similar to our other unique peroxidase and alkaline 
> phosphatase substrates (Vector VIP, Vector SG, Vector Red, Vector Blue, 
> etc), is a proprietary formulation.

   Does this mean it's completely secret, or is the
   information disclosed in a patent?  If it's truly
   secret nobody could use these products in serious
   scientific work. What journal would accept results
   based on the use of an unknown chemical? What 
   would a pathologist say in court if a malpractice
   case were brought because of a wrong diagnosis?
   
> As briefly described in our previous 
> correspondence, the reaction is similar to that of DAB. However, unlike 
> DAB, none of the reagents in the Vector NovaRED substrate are known or 
> suspected carcinogens. 

   Again, are we expected simply to believe this without
   knowing the identity of the compound(s)? 
 
> We are unaware of any specific literature 
> describing the chemistry of this particular product.

 John A. Kiernan,
 Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology,
 The University of Western Ontario,
 LONDON,  Canada  N6A 5C1
   Phone: (519) 679-2111
   FAX (Department): (519) 661-3936
   E-mail: kiernan@uwo.ca