Innovations that changed Mammalogy: fluid preparation of research specimens

Abstract

In 1831, the H. M. S. Beagle left Plymouth Sound, England, with 74 men on board, including a 22-year-old Charles Darwin. In addition to the several hundred gallons of rum on board for consumption by the sailors (the infamous “tot” British rum ration), the young naturalist had gallons of “spirits of wine” for preservation of specimens. In that era, it was known that spirits of wine (ethyl alcohol, probably the commonly available second distillation of around 60–65% or stronger) was better at preserving specimens than rum (usually no more than 40%). He was to have provided all equipment necessary for the 5-year voyage round the world; however, it...

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