Chapter III : Killing and Fixing 31 



8. For the Preservation of Anatomical Specimens for other than histo- 

 logical purposes, Gait (The Lancet, Nov. 16, 1901, p. 1334) recommends 

 the following fluid as superior to the well-known Kaiserling's fluid. 



Sodium chloride 5 parts 



Potassium nitrate 1 part 



Chloral hydrate 1 part 



Water 100 parts 



Wash fresh tissues for several hours in running water, then "set" in an 

 excess of methyl alcohol to which 0.5 per cent, formalin has been added 

 (time required: six hours to a week according to nature and size of spe- 

 cimen). Next transfer the specimen directly to the preserving fluid, 

 changing the latter after two or three weeks if necessary. In case the 

 preparation is not sealed, sufficient water to make up loss by evaporation 

 must be added occasionally. Specimens are said to retain their natural 

 colors. 



The following mixture, recommended to the author by Professor 

 Kincaid of the Washington State University, has given most excellent 

 results. To a mixture of equal parts of glycerin and strong alcohol 

 sufficient formalin is added to make the whole about a 2 per cent, forma- 

 lin. Specimens remain perfectly flexible in this mixture, and, indeed, 

 after they have become thoroughly saturated, many forms (crustacea, 

 insects, etc.) may be removed and kept as dry specimens which still 

 retain their flexibility. 



