284 Anatomy of the Rabbit. 



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 6 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 6 feet of rubber tubing to connect with the operat- 

 ing 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 com- 

 pleted should be about 7 cm. long; and its narrow end should have 

 a uniform diameter of 1.5-2 mm. for about 2 cm. at the tip. The 

 tip should be touched lightly in the flame in order to round the 

 margin by fusion, otherwise it might damage the wall of the 

 vessel. 



The rubber tubing used to connect the cannula with the main 

 tube should be of the best quality of soft rubber, and should have 

 an inside diameter of 4 mm., i.e., of proper size to slip on and off 

 the cannula easily, but yet to retain its hold on the latter under 

 moderate pressure. 



The reservoir for holding the embalming fluid may be an aspir- 

 ator or irrigator bottle, an enamel fountain, percolator or ordinary 

 funnel. It may have a capacity of one or two quarts. The 

 capacity, however, is immaterial, so long as the operator keeps 

 the fluid replaced. The reservoir is suspended in such a way that 

 it may be moved up and down within a distance of four feet above 

 the top of the operating table. 



