[NHCOLL-L:2951] RE: Bouin's solution

[Roy C Garner]

Jamie,
Further to John Simmons's comment about the explosive nature of dry 
picric acid, I would add that as well as the main bulk of the fluid in a 
container, it applies to any crystals which might be in the area of the 
top of the jar. I have witnessed small detonations with both ground glass 
and screw cap lids. If in doubt, I would suggest three things. Try to soak 
the top in order to get some water between it and the rim of the jar. 
Release the top very gently, with the whole jar under water. Wear 
protective gloves and goggles.

Roy.

.
Roy Garner
Head of Conservation
The Manchester Museum
University of Manchester 
Oxford Road 
M13 9PL
Tel: +44(0)161 275 2677/2657  Fax: +44(0)161 275 2676
Web: http//museum.man.ac.uk