Hi Carolyn,
I'm fairly sure that acetone will do the trick for de-greasing beetles
without compromising colour but I am speaking theoretically.
With all good wishes,
Simon Moore, MIScT, FLS, ACR,
Senior Conservator of Natural Sciences.
Hampshire County Council
Recreation & Heritage Department,
Museums & Archives Service,
Chilcomb House, Chilcomb Lane,
Winchester SO23 8RD. UK.
Internal 8 327 6737
01962 826737
http://www.hants.gov.uk/museum/biology
-----Original Message-----
From: The Natural Science Collections Association discussion list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Carolyn Holmes
Sent: 01 May 2009 16:49
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: entomology collections and chemicals for cleaning
It relates to beetle collections - the grease has come out in the
patterns from what I understand. The request for ethyl acetate was for
other work - but they are home based it causes COSHH issues so we need
to look at alternatives (Anona is next to me but turned her pc off for
the weekend.) Carolyn -----Original Message-----
From: The Natural Science Collections Association discussion list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Moore, Simon
Sent: 01 May 2009 16:44
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: entomology collections and chemicals for cleaning
Hi Anona,
What sort of specimens? Skins can be degreased by other means -
degreasing powders, some vegetable-based, via Snowdonia taxidermy. Bones
are a bit more difficult but acetone can be used rather than
tri-chloro-ethylene, which is a standard de-greasant. Benzene is highly
carcinogenic - toluene and xylene are better but still rather
undesirable. Ethyl acetate is a poor degreasant and can compromise DNA.
I need more specific information.
With all good wishes,
Simon Moore, MIScT, FLS, ACR,
Senior Conservator of Natural Sciences.
Hampshire County Council
Recreation & Heritage Department,
Museums & Archives Service,
Chilcomb House, Chilcomb Lane,
Winchester SO23 8RD. UK.
Internal 8 327 6737
01962 826737
http://www.hants.gov.uk/museum/biology
-----Original Message-----
From: The Natural Science Collections Association discussion list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Anona Finch
Sent: 01 May 2009 16:16
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: entomology collections and chemicals for cleaning
A colleague, who is homebased, has asked us to supply chemicals for de-
greasing specimens. He asked for benzene and ethyl acetate, both of
which are now problematic as he does not have a fume cupboard and bans
etc.
Our colleagues in conservation asked that I contacted other museums and
zoology teams to see what they use instead of these chemicals and also
what advice to give amateur nats to use at home.
Advice would be welcome.
I look forward to seeing people at conference next week and discussions
on COSHH!
Kind regards
Anona Finch
Curator Natural Life (zoology)
Leicestershire County Council Environment and Heritage Services 31 and
33 Hayhill Sileby Road Barrow upon Soar
Leicestershire LE12 8LD
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