MUSEUM TECHNIQUES
PREPARED BY MR. ABHIJIT DAS
INTRODUCTION
Museum techniques involve
the preservation of biological specimens for
long-term display and educational purposes. These techniques ensure that
the specimens retain their structure and appearance, allowing for examination
even years after collection.
IMPORTANCE OF MUSEUM
TECHNIQUES
- Educational
value: Helps medical
students learn anatomy and pathology.
- Research
purposes: Preserved specimens are essential
for studying disease progression over time.
- Historical
preservation: Maintains rare
or unique specimens for future study.
KAISERLING'S SOLUTION
Kaiserling's solution
is used for preserving anatomical specimens, particularly to retain their
natural colour for museum displays.
Composition of Kaiserling's Solution I:
1.
Formalin
(37–40% formaldehyde) – 200 mL
2.
Water
– 1 L
3.
Potassium nitrate –
15 g
4.
Potassium acetate
– 30 g
Principle:
The solution works by fixing
the tissue and preserving its structure and
colour.
Procedure:
1.
Fixation (Solution I):
o Specimens
are immersed in Kaiserling's Solution I for 1-2
weeks. This step fixes the tissue and
preserves colour.
2.
Colour restoration (Solution II):
o After
fixation, specimens are transferred to Solution II, which is a 70-80% glycerine solution. This helps to enhance the natural colour of the specimen.
3.
Final Storage (Solution III):
o The
preserved specimen is stored in a solution containing glycerine
and water (a mix of 1 part glycerine to 3 parts water) to prevent drying and ensure long-term
preservation.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MUSEUM
1.
Well-ventilated room with
controlled temperature.
2.
Proper lighting for
display.
3.
Glass jars with
airtight lids to store specimens.
4.
Kaiser's solution or another preservative.
5.
Labels for
specimen identification.
PROCEDURE FOR MOUNTING
SPECIMENS
1. Fixation:
Immerse the specimen in Kaiserling's Solution I for 1-2 weeks.
2. Colour
Restoration: Transfer the specimen to Solution II
(glycerine) to restore colour.
3. Mounting:
Place the specimen in Solution III (glycerine and water mix) for long-term
preservation.
4. Sealing:
Secure the specimen in an airtight glass jar.
5. Labeling:
Add appropriate labels with specimen details.