much meat is left on the bones , and may take several hours to complete . Do not leave the skull in the solution unattended or overnight - whatever you do , don ' t let the bones and teeth fall apart !
5 . When the bones are clean , gently rinse the skull with clean water and then submerge it in 99.5 % ethanol for a few hours . If ethanol is not available , use methylated spirits . This will dehydrate and stiffen up the cartilaginous joints .
2b .
6 . Using pins , set the skull in the desired position on a piece of polystyrene and leave it to dry .
7 . If there are any black stains ( remains of blood ), immerse the skull in 50 % diluted hydrogen peroxide with a couple of drops of ammonia added . Watch the ‘ whitening ’ process carefully as it may slowly dissolve cartilaginous material .
3 .
8 . Repeat step 6 .
9 . Use Aquadhere glue to solidify any joints ( bottom jaw , palatine plates , etc .). Apply the glue with a pin or a toothpick . I don ’ t recommend using super glue as it turns yellow over time and the glued joints fall apart after a few years .
10 . The two halves of the bottom jaw will not be articulated at the anterior margin , as they are normally connected by an elastic ligament . These can also be glued ; for large specimens , a very thin piece of wire or a bent pin can be glued in place to secure the two parts .
4 .
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