I'm interested in working on museum collections for my thesis. However, the common problem I encounter in my study organisms (I work on marine fishes) is that specimens are sometimes not well-prepared (i.e., fins are not spread out enough) or are sometimes contorted. Is there a way to somewhat "relax" AKA soften preserved animals, particularly in wet collections? I've read somewhere about soaking them in water to hydrate their tissues, but I can't confirm if that method is actually used by museum workers in zoological collection. Thanks a bunch!
All the fish specimens in our collection are soaked in a formalin solution. Many of them are not in their perfect shape. They have a rubber-ish feel because of the chemical reaction of formalin with protein. I don't think it is a good idea to soak them in water. I have a feeling that it will damage the specimen somehow.
Hello Kent; On a "junker" specimen you might try glycerin, or ethylene glycol. I agree with Zhou that water is risky but it's worth a try on another junker. Best regards, Jim Des Lauriers
Thanks James Des Lauriers and Can Zhou for the tips. I will keep that in mind. I guess I'll just pick specimens that have well-preserved parts that I need for my study. Many thanks!
Kent; You will surely encounter specimens that you will need to relax. Experimenting with some of these "methods" might eventually pay off. Cheers, Jim Des Lauriers
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