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<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Hi Meredith,</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=2 face=Arial>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.</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=2 face=Arial></FONT></STRONG> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=2 face=Arial>With all good wishes, Simon.
</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=2 face=Arial>Simon Moore MIScT, RSci, FLS,
ACR<BR>Conservator of Natural Sciences and Cutlery Historian,<BR><A
href="http://www.natural-history-conservation.com">www.natural-history-conservation.com</A>
<BR></FONT></STRONG></DIV>
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<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="FONT: 10pt arial; BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=mjmahoney@museum.state.il.us
href="mailto:mjmahoney@museum.state.il.us">Meredith Mahoney</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=nhcoll-l@mailman.yale.edu
href="mailto:nhcoll-l@mailman.yale.edu">nhcoll-l@mailman.yale.edu</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Tuesday, June 18, 2013 4:34
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> [Nhcoll-l] dry skeleton from
formalin-fixed material?</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>Hello all,</DIV>
<DIV>Is it possible to make a dry skeletal specimen from material that has
been fixed in formalin? </DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>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.</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>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. </DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>Thanks for any thoughts and advice.</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>Meredith
<DIV><BR>
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<DIV>
<DIV>Meredith J. Mahoney, Ph.D.</DIV>
<DIV>Assistant Curator of Zoology</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV><A
href="mailto:mjmahoney@museum.state.il.us">mjmahoney@museum.state.il.us</A></DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>Illinois State Museum </DIV>
<DIV><A href="http://www.museum.state.il.us">www.museum.state.il.us</A></DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>Zoology Section on Facebook</DIV>
<DIV><A
href="http://www.facebook.com/ISMZoology">www.facebook.com/ISMZoology</A></DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>Research and Collections Center</DIV>
<DIV>1011 E. Ash St</DIV>
<DIV>Springfield, IL 62703</DIV>
<DIV>ph. 217-785-4843</DIV>
<DIV>fax 217-785-2857</DIV></DIV></SPAN></DIV><BR></DIV>
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<P></P>_______________________________________________<BR>Nhcoll-l mailing
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