I reperti naturalistici di Ulisse Aldrovandi conservati in vaso

Abstract

In the summer of 2022, several interventions were initiated to control the state of conservation, cleaning, and restoration of Ulisse Aldrovandi’s’ natural history collection. During these interventions, it was possible to analyze the techniques used for the preparation and preservation of the zoological specimens. Among these, there are three “basilisks” that are particularly interesting: the Centrina vera Aristotelis, the Bufo caudatus et dentatus, and the Bufo caudatus sine dentibus. A series of specimens are preserved dry in glass jars sealed in various ways. Among these is a chicken eggshell that has on its surface an interesting relief in the shape of a snake, which recalls the myth of the basilisk. For the cleaning and preservation of the artifacts, substances with biocidal properties were used, such as quaternary ammonium salts, salicylic acid, and thymol. After the cleaning, some jars were resealed with appropriately treated pig bladder. Three jars contain animal glands used for the production of perfumes and as medical ingredients.