Bug infestations destroyed almost all early natural history collections. In the 19th century, as collections-based research grew, scientists competed to create effective preservatives. Some early books contain preservation techniques and recipes that help present-day museum staff analyze the condition of old specimens or artifacts.

From Elementa entomologica by J. C. Schaeffer. Regensburg, 1766.		Researchers like feather expert Roxie Laybourne exercise care when examining old bird specimens.

Spencer Fullerton Baird (1823-1887) Hints for preserving objects of natural history Carlisle: Printed by Gitt & Hinckley, 1846. 12 p. Spencer Fullerton Baird wrote this booklet when he was a professor at Carlisle College in Pennsylvania. In 1850, he began a long career at the Smithsonian, first as head of the museum collections, then as Secretary from 1878 until his death in 1887. View enlarged images from this item: Image 1: small | large Thomas Brown (1785-1862) The taxidermist's manual, or, The art of collecting, preparing and preserving objects of natural history Glasgow: Archibald Fullarton ... [and 3 others], 1833. xii, 150 p., VI leaves of plates : ill. View enlarged images from this item: Image 1: small | large James Boyd Davies The practical naturalist's guide : containing instructions for collecting, preparing and preserving specimens in all departments of zoology, intended for the use of students, amateurs and travellers Edinburgh: MacLachlan & Stewart, 1858. iv, 82, [10] p. : ill. Image 1: small | large Pierre François Nicolas (1743-1816) Méthode de préparer et conserver les animaux de toutes les classes : pour les cabinets d'histoire naturelle Paris: F. Buisson, 1801. 228 p., x folded leaves of plates : ill. Image 1: small | large Jacob Christian Schäffer (1718-1790) Elementa entomologica . . . Regensburg: Gedruckt mit Weissischen Schriften, 1766. [170] p., 135 p. of plates : col. Ill. View enlarged images from this item: Image 1: small | large

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