thanks to all for your input.

Happy ending- I gave it another rinse and shake today after it had
been soaking for another week or so, and then a jet spray from a
kitchen sink attachment.

The gunk finally popped out.    after about 2-3 weeks!!! just soapy
water. and agitation.

Steve

On 1/24/11, David Campbell <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Bleach and peroxide attack organic material.  Periostracum, most
> opercula, and significant components of certain shells are organic, as
> are the animal bodies.  Hence the need for caution.
>
> On Mon, Jan 24, 2011 at 10:52 AM, Steve Rosenthal <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>> I found a nice dead pale Cepaea nemoralis...up in the largest spire whorl
>> is what looks like a dark something stuck inside the shell, you can easily
>> see it through the outside of the shell, I think its part of dead dried
>> animal that is stuck to the inside...does anybody know anything that will
>> soften it up or break it up or loosen it without destroying the shell
>> itself? I've soaked it in soapy water for a few weeks and used water under
>> pressure, but nothing happens.
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Steve
>>
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>
> --
> Dr. David Campbell
> The Paleontological Research Institution
> 1259 Trumansburg Road
> Ithaca NY 14850
>
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