Preparation of rat skulls

[John Simmons]

Before you start using any of the "traditional" methods of preparation
of skulls, you should read a recent article:

Williams, S.L. and H.C. Smith.  1995.  Effect of osteological
processing treatments on dimensions and moisture absorption potential
of rodent skulls.  Collection Forum 11(2):46-57.  This paper presents
data from controlled experiments to determine how processing affects
dimensions in bone of ground squirrel skulls.  It raises many issues
that deserve consideration before any of the "traditional" methods
of preparation are used.

John Simmons
Natural History Museum, University of Kansas