On collecting - I was just thinking optimistically about my ill-advised hobby of
shell collecting way out here on the middle of the bald prairie:
Point AGAINST - a long way from a sea, no shell club
Point FOR - no humidity, great for storing and displaying shells if you can get
'em!).
Tom E., I guess you have a similar thing to be 'thankful' for in New Mexico,
eh???

Nora
Calgary, Alberta (middle of the bald prairie)


Jim Movich wrote:

> BioQuip products, inc.  makes Humidity Indicator Cards which I use in my
> cabinets and drawers. They contain three circled spots to indicate Relative
> Humidity: 50%, 40%, and 30%.  Dimensions are 1" x 1 5/8", with black
> lettering on blotting paper.  The stock numbers are 1195C - Pack of 3
> ($2.20), & 1195D - Pack of 8 ($8.00)
> Their phone number is (310) 324-0620 or can be reached at [log in to unmask]
>
> James I. Movich
> Pasadena, CA
> [log in to unmask]
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Conchologists of America List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
> Behalf Of Charles Sturm
> Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 1999 11:38 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Byrne's disease
>
> Nancy,
>   Once "Bynesian Decay" (my prefered term for it) had set in it cannot be
> reversed though it can be halted.  Whatever acid reaction has occured is
> permanent but by keeping the relative humidity low and the temperature low
> and avoiding acid exposure, the decay will stop.  From my readings I
> would recommend at temp of 65 degrees F., a relative humidity of 50-60%
> and avoid woods, especially oak, and use acid and lignin free paper for
> labels, trays etc.
>   As important as controlling the temp and RH is also not hitting the
> extremes.  Too low a RH and some shells will dry and crack, to high a
> RH and mold will start growing.
>  Charlie
> ****************************************************************************
> **
> Charlie Sturm, Jr
> Research Associate - Section of Invertebrate Zoology
>                      Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, PA
> Assistant Professor - Family Medicine
>
> [log in to unmask]