Abstract

Changes in the properties of preserved mammal skin with age is a major factor in the deterioration and possible failure of museum specimens. We have investigated the changes in red deer skin due to ageing and oxygen by isothermal isometric tension analysis. Red deer skin was incubated for periods of up to 12 months in the presence of varying oxygen concentration (0.2 to 42%). Hydrothermal isometric tension analysis indicated that changes in the properties of red deer skin with age were more significant than those that could be attributed to oxygen. While high oxygen concentration appeared to influence tissue properties, greater changes were evident after in vitro ageing than in high oxygen concentration.