[Nhcoll-l] Identification of preservation fluid

[David Dyer]

I've read the interesting discussions on this list about how to distinguish formalin from ethyl alcohol solutions, but what is the best way to distinguish an unknown fluid? We're working with a local science museum to help them preserve a specimen of a human heart. It's in a square, sealed plexiglass container, so I'm guessing it's a relatively recent specimen (thus probably not in formalin?). About one-third of the liquid has evaporated and the heart is beginning to be exposed to the air. I've seen photos of other heart specimens in similar containers, so I'm suspecting that they may have been produced by a commercial company for exhibits and teaching. Is it possible that the fluid could be one of the proprietary preservatives, such as ethylene glycol? Any way to distinguish between these and alcohol/formalin (other than the "sniff test"!)? Thanks for any advice!

Dave

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David L. Dyer / Curator of Natural History
Ohio History Connection / 800 East 17th Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43211
p. 614-298-2055 / f. 614-298-2089 / ddyer at ohiohistory.org
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