Fluid Preservation: A Comprehensive Reference

by John E. Simmons

Fluid preservation refers to specimens and objects that are preserved in fluids, most commonly alcohol and formaldehyde, but also glycerin, mineral oil, acids, glycols, and a host of other chemicals that protect the specimen from deterioration. Some of the oldest natural history specimens in the world are preserved in fluid.

Despite the fact that fluid preservation has been practiced for more than 350 years, this is the only handbook that summarize all that is known about this complex and often confusing topic. Fluid A Comprehensive Reference covers the history and techniques of fluid preservation and how to care for fluid preserved specimens in collections.


Although most fluid-preserved specimens are found in natural history and medical museums, it is not at all uncommon to find them in art museums, history museums, and science centers. In addition to animals, plants, and anatomical specimens, fluid preserved collections include some minerals and fossils and many other objects.

Fluid Preservation is an essential reference

364 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent reference text for a field that has far too few reference resources and guides. Due to the lack of good sources outside of this book, I give it five stars. However, this book does not really cover fluid preservation in fluids other than ethyl alcohol. I find that unfortunate since I need a good resource that covers how to deal with isopropyl and specifically, best practices for dealing with a collection that is a mix of ethyl and iso, with poor labeling. I would love to see an update (or another author’s take) that includes information like safe testing procedures for types of fluids and best practices for taking care of non-ethyl fluids.

[Thomas McElrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really helpful reference. As a reference book I should have had this 8 years ago.