User:Pierre.Guirguis/sandbox

Conservation and Restoration of Natural History Collections
Conservation and Restoration of Natural History Collections involves the care and preservation of Natural History Collections within museums and other cultural institutions. These can range from objects such as rocks and minerals to stuffed animals.

Types of objects seen in Natural History Collections
Organic specimens (these are specimens from extant organisms), inorganic objects (such as rocks and minerals), and inorganic/organic specimens (such as fossils)

Correct conditions for storage
The acceptable conditions for storing Natural History collections 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (18-21 degrees Celsius), while the acceptable humidity level would be between 47%-55%.

Birds and Mammals
When it comes to cleaning bird and mammal specimens from dust and other hazardous materials, it is recommended that the individual use compressed air, mild detergents, organic solvents and dry powders. Any of these is very effective when it comes to cleaning furs and feathers. However, it is also acceptable to use the same methods used for cleaning bird skins when preparing them. This method involves the use of various materials, such cleaning an area of the animal's skin that held any blood and/or dirt using water, soaking the animal's skin in washing solution, which could be either a non-ionic detergent or a complex mixture of chemicals and detergents. In turn, these would be washed away with cold water. It is also of utmost importance to remove as much fat as possible since fat is a major cause for deterioration on the skin of specimens. To clean large mammals and game heads, it is best to use mild shampoo of pure soapflakes. Another method that can be used is rinsing the fur with water and then removing the water using an Aquavec-type vacuum cleaner. If the specimen is in good condition, a fine spray with a water vacuum can be used.

Bones
Animal bones are cleaned in various ways depending on the size of the specimen. For small bones, an ultrasonic bath with a 2% non-ionic detergent. This method is also useful when cleaning large skeletons, but with the added method of using a paint spray-gun in order to remove any dirt that lingers. This method would be especially useful in worst-case situations. Large bones can also be cleaned through controlled cryogenesis.

Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish
One method of treating any deterioration in any specimens of reptiles, amphibians and fish is to use fiberglass tissue and polyvinyl acetate emulsion.

Invertebrates
Before examining insect specimens for damage, it is important for them to be cleaned. This process can be used with either brushes or ultrasonic cleaners. One hazard common to entomological collections is verdigris, a green crystalline deposit formed when a brass pin reacts to the fatty acids of an insect's body. Dealing with this problem is done according to the condition of the specimen. If the specimen is in great risk, then it is best to store the specimen in a gelatin capsule or glue it onto a card, On the other hand, if the specimen's condition is not so serious, then the verdigris can be cleaned and the brass pin is replaced with a stainless steel pin. To preserve fragile invertebrate specimens preserved in alcohol, such as jellyfish, the Celloidin method is used.

Plants
One hazard faced by botanical collections is attack by fungi. A method in eliminating this hazard is to wipe the specimens with 95% ethanol or denatured alcohol.

Rocks and Minerals
When it comes to collections of rocks and minerals, there are various hazards. The most common of these is dust, since large specimens of rocks and minerals are exhibited in the open. A remedy for this problem is to use puffers to blow on the specimens to remove any dust. Sometimes, hard brushes or compressed air are used. However, these are not recommended as both these methods can create problems since they can remove layers from fossil shell, dislodge and tear labels as well as break fine crystals. A second hazard is pyrite decay. Pyrite decay occurs with specimens containing iron pyrite. When water and oxygen interact with the iron pyrite, iron sulfate is formed. This interaction causes the specimen to crack and fall apart. This problem can occur in areas with Relative Humidity (RH) over 60%. To prevent pyrite decay, it is important to store specimens in areas in area of RH below 60%. However, to stop already decaying specimens, it is best to store these in a completely dry environment.

References: