A note about Arsenic
This is a quick post in reply to some comments on the reblogs from my (lovely!) followers: Yes, most all of the specimens (mammal or avian, live mount or study skin) prepared prior to 1960 are full of arsenic. We actually spend a good chunk of change out of our budget getting new arsenic testing kits and are well aware of the procedures involved with handling these specimens — I suppose I neglected to mention it before since none of you are exactly at risk unless you were to come to the museum. I just thought you may rest assured that I’ve been adequately trained with handling them (or not handling them), and honestly if it weren’t for arsenic they probably wouldn’t have lasted this long! Newer specimens are much more susceptible to bug infestation and decay. I kind of wish we still used it, honestly.
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somewhatclever reblogged this from umzoology and added:
I should have mentioned why...was used because...above...
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