[NHCOLL-L:4538] Question about Wet Collection

[Ashley Henderson]

Hi Everyone,

I am looking for some advice about wet specimens.  I recently became
the Collection Manager at a museum with around 1,000 wet specimens.  My
experience with them is very limited.  I have read many articles
regarding their preservation, but I still have some how-to questions and
am seeking some advice.  The wet collection is mostly herpetology and
marine biology with some entomology.  They are in glass jars ranging in
size from a half gallon to small vials.  Most jars have plastic Bakelite
lids, which I have read allow for a great amount of evaporation.  Some
of the specimens are 30 to 40 years old and have been topped off
countless times.  Some of the jars have not been topped off recently and
are half empty.  So, I am dealing with a wet collection for which I have
no idea what the ethanol concentration is from jar to jar.  I would like
to work through the collection and bring each up to 70% ethanol.  From
my research, I understand that it is best to avoid completely changing
out the preservative.  What is the best way to test the preservative in
the jars so that I can then add the appropriate amount of ethanol to
establish a  70% level?  I have researched using hydrometers.  However,
many of the specimens in small jars do not have enough preservative to
remove a sample for testing.  What other methods are there and what
would be the best process for testing each of the specimens?  Or is it
even necessary?  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,



Ashley Henderson

Collection Manager
Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
www.ccmuseum.com
(361) 826-4659