This section is from the book "Cassell's Cyclopaedia Of Mechanics", by Paul N. Hasluck. Also available from Amazon: Cassell's Cyclopaedia Of Mechanics.
The usual method of cleaning animals' skulls is to soak the bones in water frequently changed until the flesh becomes decomposed and able to be removed with the fingers and small pieces of wood. This takes some time and is disgusting work. As an experiment, try some wood ashes in the water. Begin by using, say, a handful of wood ashes to a gallon of water, and increase gradually.
 
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