Museum Specimens

Archiving and the creation of demonstrating tools have always played an important role in science and education. In the field of Anatomy, this practice has been present for centuries, assured by the discovery of certain substances that can preserve tissues in good condition, like alcohol, formalin and other chemicals or their mixtures. Former generations left us a great heritage of wet anatomical and pathological preparations, the majority of which can be found in museums today. Unfortunately, the fixative solution of the preparations vaporizes or condenses and consequently discolours over time, which increases the possibility of damage and even degrades the quality of specimens. As these outdated techniques are fading out, the repair of such damage generally becomes problematic over time, and replacing certain valuable pieces is almost impossible.

Thus I consider the well-timed and careful maintenance and renovation of these preparations essential. This includes not only the exchange of the fixative solution, but also the refreshment and repositioning of the preparation and the disinfection and degreasing of the storage. Ensuring the convenient refilling and exchange of the fixative solution after closing the storage is also recommended. During the maintenance, photographing the specimens for educational or scientific purposes should also be considered.

I am glad to receive an increasing number of requests from institutes that wish to preserve their own specimens. I undertake not only maintenance and restoration, but I also readily create new preparations to enlarge the number of demonstrating tools available for education. I hope that with my engagement and professional experience I can contribute to preserving a beautiful and invaluable scientific heritage.