Displaying medical specimens

Tara Kennedy <tara.d.kennedy [at] yale__edu> writes

>I have come across a situation concerning the permanent display of
>medical specimens: specifically organs in wet specimen jars. I know
>that there are museums (like the Mutter for example) that do this,
>but I was curious if there were any studies on the long-term effects
>of having medical wet specimens on display, whether temporary or
>permanent?

I have come across a situation concerning the permanent display of
medical specimens: specifically organs in wet specimen jars. I know
that there are museums (like the Mutter for example) that do this,
but I was curious if there were any studies on the long-term effects
of having medical wet specimens on display, whether temporary or
permanent?

There is much advice I could give but need to know a bit more about
the specimens.

How were the specimens fixed (formalin?) if that knowledge is
available? In what fluid are the presently preserved? Are they
displayed in glass or plastic jars, or other types of jar (screw
lid)? Are they displayed with a direct light source on them
(especially daylight)? Do you have problems with lipid seepage
discolouring the fluid/s? Are the specimens handled by students?
Finally, do you have evaporation and low pH problems?

Let me know as much as you can and I will try to advise.

Simon Moore MIScT, FLS, ACR
Conservator of Natural Sciences
20 Newbury Street
Whitchurch RG28 7DN


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 23:23
                  Distributed: Monday, January 4, 2010
                       Message Id: cdl-23-23-001
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