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)