368 ANATOMY OF THE RABBIT 



as will leave the organs in a condition as near the natural one as 

 possible and at the same time keep them moist and flexible through- 

 out dissection. 



A suitable fluid for the purpose is that recommended by Keiller^ 

 for the preservation of human subjects. The formula is as follows: 



Formalin 1.5 parts 



Carbolic acid 2,5 " 



Glycerin 10.0 " 



Water 86.0 " 



100.0 



A convenient method of making up the fluid, especially when 

 embalming the animals in numbers, is to prepare the mixture of 

 formalin, carbolic acid, and glycerin as a stock-solution, to be 

 diluted for use by adding to each part of stock six parts of water. 

 The amount required varies according to the size of the animal, 

 the flow of the fluid in the vessels, the length of time during which 

 the animal is left under the action of the fluid, and the height of 

 the pressure column. Not less than 1500 cc. should be allowed 

 for each specimen. 



The apparatus needed for embalming includes a reservoir for 

 the fluid, provided with an exit pipe to which a rubber tube may 

 be attached; about six feet of rubber tubing to connect with the 

 operating table; several three-way pieces to divide the stream in 

 case several specimens are to be handled at the same time ; selected 

 rubber tubing of the size indicated below to attach the cannulae; 

 clamps for the tubing; and, finally, glass or metal cannulae for 

 insertion into the femoral artery. 



Glass cannulae suitable for the purpose are readily made by 

 heating ordinary glass tubing over the Bunsen flame and drawing 

 it out to the desired thinness. The tubing used for the purpose 

 should be of about 6 mm. outside diameter. The cannula when 



ginning with 30 per cent and changing to 60 or 70 per cent are useful for this 

 purpose. The addition of small quantities of glycerine or carbolic acid or both 

 improves the brightness and flexibility of the tissues, 



^W. Keiller, "On the Preservation of Subjects, etc." (American Journal of 

 Anatomy, vol. II, 1902-3). Several modifications, apparently successful, have 

 been employed. 



