[Nhcoll-l] light damage to microscope slides?

[Simon Moore]

Hi Jon,

As an erstwhile histologist, I can remember these dyes well enough and the only problem I had with fading dyes was the actual mountant used which gradually changed composition or oxidised around the edge. Admittedly, my slides have been stored in the dark and are still fine - mounted in DPX since 1972. However, I think that the light motion sensor is a good idea to mitigator the problems of light damage.

With all good wishes, Simon 

Simon Moore MIScT, RSci, FLS, ACR
Conservator of Natural Sciences and Cutlery Historian.

www.natural-history-conservation.com



> On 27 Apr 2026, at 15:24, Woodward, Jon <jwoodward at oeb.harvard.edu> wrote:
> 
> Hi all, 
> 
> We've gotten an exhibition loan request for some microscope slides which preserve the histological serial sections of a hagfish embryo. The slide prep was done (very nicely) in 1926. The stain was recorded as "Alum cochineal and Orange G." The sections are a little faint, and we're worried that putting them on display (on an LED light table) might result in further fading or other damage. The borrower proposes to put the light on a motion sensor, so the slides would only be lit when a visitor was nearby, rather than 24/7, which seems sensible. I would welcome anyone's thoughts about possible risks and mitigations. 
> 
> Thanks,
> Jon
> 
> 
> -------
> Jon Woodward
> Digitization Manager, Collections Operations
> Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology
> 26 Oxford St.
> Cambridge, MA 02138
> 617-495-8205
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