Insects and the like require the least preparation simply because their structure is much less complicated. Cloth wrapping is particularly effective to support specimen structures and to prevent undue pressure thereon during the freeze-drying. A mixture of Microfil Clear, diluent and curing agent as hereinabove described is then thoroughly massaged into the tissues. The cloth also helps to prevent localized drying or "freezer-burn" of the skin. Further, because no attempt has heretofore been made to properly treat and preserve the interior of the larger bones, which contain considerable bone marrow, handling of such bones during anatomical or other studies may constitute a serious health hazard. A method as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said animal specimen is posed prior to freeze drying by at least one (a) wrapping in cloth and (b) freezing, in a preselected position. Any suitable meat packing solution can be employed such as an aqeuous solution comprising Na2 HPO4, NaH2 PO4 H2 O, ascorbic acid, NaCl, NaNO3 and NaNO2. The animal was then eviscerated through a midsagittal ventral incision into the thoracic and abdominal cavities. After soaking, the remainder of the cloth is removed and the entire specimen is manipulated to improve flexibility of joints and muscles. C. to -50.degree. 11. sold by Canton Bio-Medical Products, Inc., Boulder, Colo. The use of liquid nitrogen for general freezing is not recommended as the intense cold can cause cracking of the specimen. Clear, Microfil.RTM. The skull was trepanned for similar reasons. Similar latex injections were effected to emphasize the lymphatic, renal and hepatic systems. at 2 lbs. Skinning is effected by known techniques. (c) applying a softening agent to and manipulating tissues of said freeze dried specimen. A method as claimed in claim 2 including injecting a polymerizable bulking agent into the vascular system of said specimen prior to freeze drying. by freezing the water and sublimating it off under vacuum. Preferably, but again not essentially, the wrapping cloths are soaked in a meat packing solution, such as that described hereinabove, in order to preserve natural colouring. Although there is very little visible shrinkage of tissue during freeze drying, it is clear that considerable bulk due to water loss has been caused and it is usually preferred to replace this bulk with a suitable bulking compound, such as a polymerizable silicon rubber injection compound. The next stage is generally to skin and dissect the specimen. As used herein, the term "animal specimen" is intended to cover specimens of all forms of animal life, human and nonhuman, birds, mammals, fish, insects, crustaceans and other exoskeletons and the like, either whole or parts thereof.