Defleshing embalmed remains

Wendy Jessup posted an inquiry from Matthew Rowley regarding a
problem with defleshing embalmed remains.  If maceration in warm
water is not working, then the anatomist needs to use other
chemicals in the baths besides detergent.  I would suggest 10%
sodium perborate solution, followed by thorough rinsing in clean
water, and degreasing in solvent. Sodium hypochlorite ("bleach") has
also been used to soften and break down tissue.  All these
treatments will result in disarticulated skeletons, but from the
wording of the inquiry, it appears that articulation is not an
issue.

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 11:20
                 Distributed: Thursday, August 28, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-11-20-003
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