Most fixatives used today in museums are based on a formalin fixation
technique derived by Kaiserling (1897). Kaiserling recommended that the
initial fixation be a neutral formalin (KI) solution and then transferred to
a final preserving glycerin solution (KIII) for long term display. Color
preservation is also maintained with these solutions. 

KI solution:

Formalin               1 litre
Potassium acetate      85 g.
Potassium nitrate      45 g. 
DH20                   Make up to 10 litres

KIII solution:

Sodium acetate         1416 g.
Glycerine              4 litres
DH20                   Make up to 10 litres
Thymol crystals to prevent moulds.

Edwards, J.J. & Edwards, M. J. (1959) Medical Museum Technology. London:
Oxford University Press.

Kaiserling, C. (1897) Virchows Archiv fur pathologische Anatomie und
Physiologie und fur klinische Medizin, 147.


Eric C. Kellar
Histology/Immunohistochemistry
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

-----Original Message-----
From: Rae Staskiewicz
To: Histonet
Sent: 9/10/99 5:17 PM
Subject: Formula for long term "museum" storage

Hi everyone,

    This afternoon, the Department of Natural Resources came to us to
find
out what the best medium would be for long term storage of a snake. They
want the color to be maintained. Something like what they use in
museums. I
could not find anything in the reference books we have. Can anyone help?


Rae Ann Staskiewicz
Galesburg Animal Disease Lab
Galesburg, IL