posted by Suzie Chhouk
Conservation Intern Nicola Crompton in protective gear, cleaning whale bones with ammonia
(c) University of Oxford 2014
(c) University of Oxford 2014
Chemistry does not only play a key role in uncovering the mysteries of our past, but is crucial in preserving the stories artifacts tell. A recent blog entry from the Science Blog of the University of Oxford featured Bethany Palumbo, Conservator for Life Collections in the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Read the excerpts below to learn how she and her team uses chemistry to restore centuries-old whale bones.
"Cleaning and preserving old bones is an intricate, technical task and each treatment must be tailored to the individual bone. Whale bones are especially challenging, as fatty oils slowly seep out over the years. ...
"Cleaning and preserving old bones is an intricate, technical task and each treatment must be tailored to the individual bone. Whale bones are especially challenging, as fatty oils slowly seep out over the years. ...