depend upon the size of the bones, small bones macerating much more rapidly than large ones; also upon their condition. If fresh they macerate far more quickly than if they have been previously dried (as is the case with skeletons sent from abroad in a rough state), or if they have been kept in spirits or any other preservative solution.
When the bones are to be removed, the water must be carefully poured off through a hair-sieve, and all the solid matter which remains at the bottom of the jar must be carefully searched for any of the smaller bones which might otherwise be lost. They are then removed to clean water, frequently changed for several days, well washed with a brush if necessary, and dried, if possible, in the sun.
The process of maceration is necessarily attended with disagreeable smells. So long as it continues, the surface of the water slowly emits gases; but the worst is when the water is stirred up by pouring it off to remove the bones. Hence it should be carried on in the open air, or, what is far better, in a building isolated for the purpose, and in which the temperature may be kept uniform. When maceration has to be conducted among dwellings, it is necessary to be very careful not to disturb the vessels, and to put some disinfectant, as chloride of lime, into them the day before the contents are taken out. This will obviate most of the usual disagreeable effects, and if not used in too great a quantity will not cause any material damage to the bones. But chloride of lime, when used too freely, is a dangerous agent; it destroys the gelatinous portion of the osseous tissue (which of course is not removed in maceration), and leaves the bones while, chalky, and friable. After proper maceration no chemical bleaching is required. Exposure to sunlight or alternate sun and rain for some months is generally good, especially for large solid bones, though this may be carried too far, as the intensely white, cracked, porous and fragile condition of osseous fragments which have been lying long on moors or hill-sides, shows. Bones are not naturally of a pure white colour, but have a delicate yellowish or creamy tint like that of ivory.
Several substitutes for the process of maceration in water are occasionally adopted under special circumstances: —
1. Boiling. This process has the advantage of rapidity, but is seldom resorted to except when absolutely necessary (as in the
