Trockenpräparaten

Trockenpräparaten, also known as dry preparations, are specimens preserved without immersion in a liquid medium. This method is often employed for anatomical or biological samples where maintaining the original shape and texture is crucial. Unlike wet mounts, which use fluids to keep specimens hydrated and prevent decay, dry preparations rely on removing moisture to achieve preservation. This can be accomplished through various techniques, including air-drying, oven-drying, or desiccation using drying agents.

The advantages of dry preparations include their long-term stability, reduced storage space requirements, and ease of handling. They are particularly useful for delicate structures that might be distorted by liquid preservation or for specimens that are too large to be easily submerged. Common examples include dried insects for entomological collections, pressed plants for herbaria, and fossilized remains. The process often involves careful manipulation of the specimen to achieve the desired posture or presentation before the drying process is complete. In some cases, a fixative might be applied prior to drying to further enhance preservation and prevent microbial degradation. However, the desiccated nature of these preparations means they can be brittle and susceptible to damage from humidity or physical impact.