Re: To have and to hold, not much more though

[Betty Cunningham <bettyc@flyinggoat.com>]

this brings up an interesting point (to me anyways).. 
the Smithsonian triceratops mount has a form of 'pyrite deases', yes?
This is a chemical breakdown sort of thing that would theoretically hit
other pieces of the same vintage and locality.

Is it an 'oxidation' chemical change so that only minerals exposed to
'ai'r would be rotting, or should they be checking the old field jackets
from the same localities to see if they've ALSO quietly turned to
breadcrust?

-Betty Cunningham

"Thomas R. Holtz, Jr." wrote:
> Furthermore, as the Smithsonian _Triceratops_ recovery team have discovered,
> exhibits mounted in styles typical of the early 20th Century are in serious
> danger of needing some major repairs and conservation.  These specimens will
> need help now, while those in jackets are protected.
> 
> That last point is fairly significant: specimens still in a good field
> jacket need minimum maintanence, and thus minimum expenses.
> 
> Now, personally, I think it would be a good idea to hold off on ripping open
> all the Marsh-era jackets right now.  Within a decade I expect that the CAT
> scan technology and protocols being developed in the research on "Sue" and
> others might be extraordinarily helpful in working on these specimens.  By
> getting some idea of what's in the blocks prior to physical preparation
> could help museum staff prioritize which jackets get prepared first, which
> second, and so on.


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