9 OF PREPARING SKELETONS. 



CHAP. V. 



OF PREPARING SKELETONS. 

 CLEANING AND PREPARING BONES IN GENERAL. 



As much of the fleshy parts should be removed from bones 

 intended for preparation as possible with the scalpel, but it is 

 not required that they should be separated from each other, 

 more than is necessary for placing them in a vessel for the 

 purpose of maceration. The bones are to be entirely covered 

 with water, which should be changed every day for about a 

 week, or as long- as it becomes discoloured with blood ; after 

 which, allow them to remain hi water without changing till 

 putrefaction has thoroughly destroyed all the remaining flesh ; 

 this will require from three to six months, according to the 

 season of the year or temperature of the atmosphere. We 

 here speak of great Britain, but in warmer climates, putrefac- 

 tion will take place more rapidly. In tropical climates, four- 

 teen days will be sufficient to disengage the flesh completely 

 trom the bones. 



The large cylindrical bones of the thighs and arms should 

 have holes bored in their extremities of the size of a goose 

 quill, to give the water access to their cavities, and a free 

 exit to the medullary substance. 



As the water will gradually diminish in quantity from evapora- 

 tion, more should be added from time to time, so that none of 

 the bones, or any part of them, may remain uncovered, as by ex- 

 posure to the atmosphere they would become of a dirty colour, 

 and have a disagreeable appearance. To be free from such 

 stains, is considered a great beauty in skeletons. 



In towns, the macerating vessels should always be closely 

 covered, as from neglecting this, the water is apt to get mixed ' 

 with particles of soot, and other impurities, which have a strong 

 tendency to blacken the bones. When the putrefaction has 

 destroyed the ligaments, the bones are then fit for cleaning, 



