[Nhcoll-l] dry skeleton from formalin-fixed material?

[Simon Moore]

Hi Meredith,

I used to use the Antiformin technique for formalin-fixed material but it's rather fierce and the skel can easily disarticulate if left too long.  Otherwise I skin and soak the specimen in water for 24-48 hours and then use fleshing crystal solution.  I have found that enzymes are still a bit shy if there's any trace of formalin but the crystals work OK (from Snowdonia taxidermy supplies).  The results have been good and not formalin-impreg'd.

With all good wishes, Simon. 

Simon Moore MIScT, RSci, FLS, ACR
Conservator of Natural Sciences and Cutlery Historian,
www.natural-history-conservation.com 

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Meredith Mahoney 
  To: nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu 
  Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 4:34 PM
  Subject: [Nhcoll-l] dry skeleton from formalin-fixed material?


  Hello all,
  Is it possible to make a dry skeletal specimen from material that has been fixed in formalin? 


  A research associate here is receiving some shoulder joints that were dissected out of mammal carcasses. He wants to prepare them as dry skeletons for his research, however the sender preserved the material in formalin before sending (apparently following standard veterinary practice). They may have been in the formalin for a few weeks or a couple months at most.


  Is it possible to safely prepare these as dry skeletal specimens or is the best option to clean any flesh away but preserve the joints in ethanol? I am concerned that residual formalin will remain in the bones even if they are soaked extensively in water prior to maceration and drying. 


  Thanks for any thoughts and advice.


  Meredith


  Meredith J. Mahoney, Ph.D.
  Assistant Curator of Zoology


  mjmahoney at museum.state.il.us


  Illinois State Museum 
  www.museum.state.il.us


  Zoology Section on Facebook
  www.facebook.com/ISMZoology


  Research and Collections Center
  1011 E. Ash St
  Springfield, IL 62703
  ph.  217-785-4843
  fax  217-785-2857




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