1. The University Museum of Zoology Cambridge has a collection of fluid preserved deep-sea invertebrates collected from hydrothermal vent sites in the Southern Ocean by the British Antarctic Survey @BAS_News @ZoologyMuseum @Nat_SCA #NatSCAConservation

2. Small invertebrates can be challenging to display well in fluid due to their size. Creating a linear series can give more visual impact for smaller specimens. It can be done to show growth series, different views or just because 2 is better than 1! #NatSCAConservation

3. Often their size or soft, delicate bodies are too fragile to mount using more traditional glass plate & monofilament thread methods. Collodion solution can be used as an alternative to this when working with alcohol based preservatives. #NatSCAConservation

4. Collodion solution is a form of cellulose nitrate dissolved in a 50:50 mix of ethanol/diethyl ether supplied as a 4-8% solution. Take care when working with this solution especially when evaporating off waste or disposal of dry film. #Caution #Hazard #NatSCAConservation

5. To use dilute to a 2-4% solution. Apply a drop to a dry glass plate using a pipette. Place the specimen over this and after 20-30 seconds apply a couple of drops of alcohol preservative on top. This will cause the collodion to gel. #NatSCAConservation

6. The gel forms an invisible bond between the specimen and the glass plate. This allows the specimens to be viewed from both sides without any visual obstructions. #NatSCAConservation

7. The mechanical properties of collodion when gelled depend on the original ratio of the ethanol/ether solvent. A higher ethanol content forms a softer, more flexible gel; a lower concentration gives a harder, brittle gel or film. #NatSCAConservation

8. Collodion is insoluble in water and in both ethanol and diethyl ether separately but it is very soluble in ethanol/diethyl ether mixtures. The collodion gel is easily reversible on reapplication of the ethanol/diethyl ether mixture. #NatSCAConservation

9. It can also be used as an adhesive for small repairs. By drying the damaged area slightly you can apply a drop of collodion solution and rejoin the loose leg. Additional drops of alcohol preservative will cause it to gel and hold the leg in place. #NatSCAConservation

10. Collodion solution is an invisible and reversible adhesive for mounting delicate specimens in alcohol preservative. It can be used safely to create impactful displays for small invertebrates. #NatSCAConservation