In article <[log in to unmask]>, MOH Library
<[log in to unmask]> writes
>Dear Fellow List subscribers,
>
>Anyone have a nicer sounding politically correct salutation that is
>more user friendly than Fellow Subscribers?
>Our artifact handlers are concerned about the proper handling of surgical
>kits, bone saws which still have traces of dried blood on them on occaision.
>Syringes are often found in old Doctor's satchels when we accession them.
>My training stated "Handle with due caution ,wear gloves, mist mask etc"
>Does anyone know of an article in medical journals or the Conservation
>Abstracts addressing such concerns.
>I would like to sterilize such artifacts yet preserve their historical
>integrity.
>Any leads would be appreciated and please feel free to share them with the
>list so we all may work safer!

What great timing!  Only on Thursday I joined the Historical Medical
Equipment Society (it may be only a British society, but they'll surely
know of a US equivalent).  Email Dr. David Warren, the secretary at
[log in to unmask]

Personally, I can't think of that much that hangs around for a long time
outside the body ... anthrax comes to mind, and tetanus (you have had
your tetanus booster recently, haven't you ... me, I get in a road
traffic accident, fall over, etc. with enough frquency).  Far more
worrying are the drugs.

Best wishes,
--
Pat Reynolds
[log in to unmask]
Keeper of Social History, Buckinghamshire County Museum
   "It might look a bit messy now, but just you come back in 500 years time"
   (T. Prattchet)