[Nhcoll-l] Rehydrating a formalin specimen

[David Dyer]

We're working with a county historical society that has an old vertebrate specimen, and the fluid that it was preserved in has long-since evaporated.  The specimen is from 1881 and has been on exhibit for about 30 years. They think it was in formaldehyde (formalin). The curator agrees that it should now be taken off exhibit, and have asked us to advise on how to preserve. Is it OK to rehydrate in ethyl alcohol (70%) or are there other steps that are recommended?
Thanks in advance 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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