[Nhcoll-l] Fluid-preserved fungi

[Simon Moore]

Hi Berber.

I have worked with fluid-preserved fungal fruiting bodies for some time but on a small scale. I have always preferred Kew mixture (fixative) and Copenhagen mixture as a preservative.  This keeps the fungi firm and preserves some of the colours.  You may find some colour leaching has occurred and some fruiting bodies become rather floppy, especially more fragile specimens like Coprinellus spp. or Coprinopsis spp.
You may wish to consider using the Kew and Copehangen mix approach in the future?

With all good wishes, Simon Moore MIScT, RSci, FLS, ACR
Conservator of Natural Sciences and Cutlery Historian.

www.natural-history-conservation.com


> On 21 Feb 2024, at 11:47, Berber van der Meulen <berber.vandermeulen at naturalis.nl> wrote:
> 
> Dear all,
> 
> We are planning to repot our fluid-preserved fungi collection to more suitable containers. Most specimens are currently preserved in formalin.
> 
> Of course we'll be following the usual health and safety measures for working with formalin (gloves, fume hood), but I was wondering if people have experience with fluid-preserved fungi and could give some tips on what to expect?
> 
> Are there for example any additional protective measures we should take regarding toxins that have leached into the fluid etc.?   
> 
> Thank you so much in advance,
> 
> 
> -- 
> Met vriendelijke groet,
> 
> Berber van der Meulen
> Projectcoördinator Collectie
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> - 
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