Hi, Conch-Lers!

Do you think this formula could be used on old, but still in good condition Unionids?

Thanks,
Linda






On 19-Jun-01, Kevin Kutolowski <[log in to unmask]> wrote:


Paul



I have use a mixture of Glycerine, Denatured Alcohol and Demineralized
Water all in equal parts. I have used this on dead freshwater clams (Unionids)
that I have found. When treated right after cleaning it prevented the shell from
cracking. If the unionid is left to dry out the shell itself will crack. I have
had very good success with this formula.



Kevin Kutolowski



Stanfield, North Carolina


----- Original Message -----

From: Paul Callomon

To: [log in to unmask]

Sent: 6/19/01 1:15:18 AM

Subject: Pompadours for those butch
hairy-chested whelks





Comrades,



On the subject of periostracum preservation :



Has anyone any reliable information about the long-term stability of

Glycerine? I can't imagine that in commercial form it is 100% pure
(it's

extremely hard to make anything absolutely pure) - what are the
prinicipal

contaminants? Is it hygroscopic (absorbs moisture) as a surface film?
Does

it readily react with, for example, acids (acetic acid; formic acid
etc.)

from wood, and if so what are the products?

To what extent does Glycerine preserve the cell structure in the

periostracum - well enough for microscope slide preparation?

Thinking about the longer-term implications of this preservation method,
I

would be very interested to hear from anyone who has some older (20+
years)

specimens with their periostraca preserved in this way. I would also

appreciate any pointers to literature on this matter. We have a number
of

abyssal molluscs here which arrived floating in jars of thick
Glycerine;

their provider insisted that this was the only way to keep them from

cracking up. I suspect that as long as air is kept out, they won't
suffer







--- Kevin Kutolowski

--- [log in to unmask]

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