I would second David's remark about long-term storage. Certain
mountants, such as the gums (including Berlese) are good for showing
certain features but should never be regarded as permanent/archival.
Although they may seem rather 'old hat', Canada Balsam and Euparal are
still considered to be the best permanent microslide mountants with
excellent refractive index.
With all good wishes,
Simon Moore, MIScT, FLS, ACR,
Senior Conservator of Natural Sciences.
Hampshire County Council,
Department of Culture, Communities and Rural Affairs,
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 David Notton
Sent: 02 September 2009 11:14
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Gum Chloral
Hi Emily
Gum tragacanth has been commonly used to glue specimens (usually
beetles) to card mounts, whereas gum chloral has been used to mount
specimens on glass microscope slides, so it depends what kind of
preparation is required.
Be aware that most gum chlorals type mountants (e.g. Berlese) can only
be regarded as temporary. There are a wide range of formulations almost
all of which have problems reported (crystalisation, blackening etc.)
which may damage the specimen and make the preparation unusable without
time consuming remounting. The formulae or proprietry brands are not
usually revealed and can vary.
For long term mounting of insects on microscope slides recommended
mountants are Canada Balsam or Euparal.
Best regards
David
David Notton
-----Original Message-----
From: The Natural Science Collections Association discussion list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Angela Smith
Sent: 01 September 2009 08:51
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Gum Chloral
Hi Emily
Watkins and Doncaster sell tragacanth gum in small bottles. I'm not an
entomologist but I've been told this can be used for mounting small
specimens, although you might want to contact W & D to confirm this.
They have a website and sell a lot of useful entomological things - I am
sure they will be able to help you.
Best wishes
Angela
-----Original Message-----
From: The Natural Science Collections Association discussion list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Emily Mayer
Sent: 30 August 2009 21:08
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Gum Chloral
The Guild of Taxidermists has had a query through the website from
somebody wishing to purchase a small amount of gum chloral for mounting
small insect and invertebrate specimens.
Can anyone advise where he might be able to purchase this? Or whether
there is a suitable alternative if it's unobtainable.
Thanks
Emily
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