Restoration of the softness and flexibility of cadavers preserved in formalin

Submerging parts of cadavers in a 5% aqueous solution of glacial acetic acid eliminates the undesirable properties of formalin and formalin-containing fixatives such as the irritating and unpleasant smell of formalin and phenol. It also considerably softens the tissues, renders the articulations flexible and makes dissection much easier. No significant bone softening occurs if the process is stopped at a suitable time. Parts of the bodies softened in this way can be kept for years in 70% alcohol without any signs of a loss of flexibility or decomposition.