PREPARATION OF SKELETONS FOR MUSEUM PURPOSES. 467 
depend upon the size of the bones, small bones macerating much 
more rapidly than large ones; also upon their condition. If fresh 
they macerate far more quickly than if they have been previously 
dried (as is the case with skeletons sent from abroad in a rough 
state), or if they have been kept in spirits or any other preservative 
solution. 
When the bones are to be removed, the water must be carefully 
poured off through a hair-sieve, and all the solid matter which 
remains at the bottom of the jar must be carefully searched for 
any of the smaller bones which might otherwise be lost. They are 
then removed to clean water, frequently changed for several days, 
well washed with a brush if necessary, and dried, if possible, in 
the sun. 
The process of maceration is necessarily attended with disagree- 
able smells. So long as it continues, the surface of the water slowly 
emits gases; but the worst is when the water is surred up by 
pouring it off to remove the bones. Hence it should be carried on 
in the open air, or, what is far better, in a building isolated for the 
purpose, and in which the temperature may be kept uniform. When 
maceration has to be conducted among dwellings, it is necessary 
to be very careful not to disturb the vessels, and to put some 
disinfectant, as chloride of lime, into them the day before the 
contents are taken out. This will obviate most of the usual 
disagreeable effects, and if not used in too great a quantity will 
not cause any material damage to the bones. But chloride of 
lime, when used too freely, is a dangerous agent; it destroys the 
gelatinous portion of the osseous tissue (which of course is not 
removed in maceration), and leaves the bones white, chalky, and 
friable. After proper maceration no chemical bleaching is required. 
Exposure to sunlight or alternate sun and rain for some months is 
generally good, especially for large solid bones, though this may 
be carried too far, as the intensely white, cracked, porous and 
fragile condition of osseous fragments which have been lying long 
‘on moors or hill-sides, shows. Bones are not naturally of a pure 
white colour, but have a delicate yellowish or creamy tint like that 
of ivory. 
Several substitutes for the process of maceration in water are 
occasionally adopted under special circumstances :— 
1. Boiling. This process has the advantage of rapidity, but is 
seldom resorted to except when absolutely necessary (as in the 
