Embalming , in most modern cultures, is the art and science of temporarily preserving human remains to forestall decomposition and to make them suitable for display at a funeral. The three goals of embalming are thus sanitization, presentation and preservation (or restoration) of a dead body to achieve this effect. Embalming has a very long and cross-cultural history, with many cultures giving the embalming processes a greater religious meaning.
History
Embalming has been practiced in many cultures and is one of the earliest surgical procedures humanity undertook. In classical antiquity, perhaps the Old World culture that had developed embalming to the greatest extent was that of ancient Egypt, which developed the process of mummification. They believed that preservation of the mummy empowered the soul after death, which would return to the preserved corpse.
Other cultures that had developed embalming processes include the Incas and other cultures of Peru, whose climate also favoured a form of mummification. The sankar empire also had a form of mummification.
However some of the best preserved bodies in the world are from Han dynasty China. It was thought that a special liquid in which the bodies were embedded (solutions containing mercury and antimony salts amongst others), may have been of a certain influence. The actual cause for the preservation—which started declining rapidly once the bodies were unearthed—was the very exceptional low temperature conditions obtained at the depths at which the tombs were located, under several layers of charcoal and clay, permitting ideal temperatures and humidity levels which were maintained throughout the seasons for centuries .
These mummies are nowadays stored in special refrigerated chambers which simulate the original conditions in which they were discovered to prevent further acceleration of putrefaction (the mummies have already puffed up features due to gaseous buildup, see pictures) .
Further information: MawangduiEmbalming in Europe had a much more sporadic existence. It was attempted from time to time, especially during the Crusades, when crusading noblemen wished to have their bodies preserved for burial closer to home. Embalming began to come back into practice in parallel with the anatomists of the Renaissance who needed to be able to preserve their specimens. Arterial embalming is believed to have been first practiced in the Netherlands in the 17th century by Frederik Ruysch but his liquor balsamicum preservative was kept a secret to the grave and his methods were not widely copied.
Contemporary embalming methods advanced markedly during the American Civil War, which once again involved many servicemen dying far from home, and their family wishing them returned for local burial. Dr. Thomas Holmes received a commission from the Army Medical Corps to embalm the corpses of dead Union officers to return to their families. Military authorities also permitted private embalmers to work in military-controlled areas. The passage of Abraham Lincoln's body home for burial was made possible by embalming and it brought the possibilities and potential of embalming to a wider public notice.
In 1867, the German chemist August Wilhelm von Hofmann discovered formaldehyde, whose preservative properties were soon discovered and which became the foundation for modern methods of embalming.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries arsenic was frequently used as an embalming fluid but has since been supplanted by other more effective and less toxic chemicals. There were questions about the possibility of arsenic from embalmed bodies later contaminating ground water supplies. There were also legal concerns as people suspected of murder by arsenic poisoning could claim that the levels of poison in the deceased's body were a result of embalming post mortem rather than evidence of homicide.
Embalming is distinct from taxidermy. Embalming preserves the human body intact, whereas taxidermy is the recreation of an animal's form using only the creature's skin.
Modern embalming is most often performed to ensure a better presentation of the deceased for viewing by relatives and friends as, everything else being equal, an embalmed body will look better than one that is unembalmed. A successful viewing is considered by many authorities to be helpful in the grieving process. Embalming is also a general legal requirement for international repatriation of human remains (although exceptions do occur) and by a variety of laws depending on locality, such as for extended time between death and final disposition or above ground entombment.
Practice
The roles of a mortician and an embalmer are different. A mortician is a person who arranges for the final disposition of the deceased who may or may not prepare the deceased. An embalmer is someone who has been trained in the art and science of embalming and may not have any contact with the family, although many people fill both roles. Embalming training commonly involves formal study in anatomy, thanatology, chemistry and specific embalming theory (to widely varying levels depending on the region of the world one lives in) combined with practical instruction in a mortuary with a resultant formal qualification granted after the passing of a final practical examination and acceptance into a recognized society of professional embalmer.
Legal requirements over who can practice vary geographically. Some regions or countries have no specific requirements as to who may practice embalming. Additionally, in many places embalming is not done by trained embalmers but rather by doctors who, while they have the required anatomical knowledge, are not trained specialists in this field. Embalming is today common practice in North America and New Zealand whilst it is less frequent in Europe. In some countries permits or licences are required; in others it is performed only by medical practitioners, and the costs can be relatively high.
In the United States, the title of an embalmer is based largely on the state that they are licensed in. In states such as Pennsylvania, Virginia, Minnesota and Maryland, a funeral director is someone who is licensed only to make arrangements and handle the business side of the funeral home while a mortician is licensed to do these things as well as to embalm.
Modern practices
As practiced in the funeral homes of the Western World (notably North America), embalming uses several steps. Modern embalming techniques are not the result of a single practitioner, but rather the accumulation of many decades, even centuries, of research, trial and error, and invention. A standardized version follows below, but variation on techniques is very common.
The deceased is placed on the mortuary table in the supine anatomical position with the head elevated by a head block. The first step in embalming is to check that the individual is in fact deceased, and then verify the identity of the body (normally via wrist or leg tags). At this point embalmers commonly perform basic tests for signs of death, noting things such as clouded-over corneas, lividity, and rigor mortis or by simply attempting to palpate a pulse in the carotid or radial artery. In modern times people awakening on the preparation table is largely the province of horror fiction and urban myth. Any clothing on the corpse is removed and set aside and any personal effect such as jewelry is inventoried. A modesty cloth is sometimes placed over the genitalia. The corpse is washed in disinfectant and germicidal solutions. During this process the embalmer bends, flexes and massages the arms and legs to relieve rigor mortis. The eyes are posed using an eye cap that keeps them shut and in the proper expression. The mouth may be closed via suturing with a needle and ligature, using an adhesive, or by setting a wire into the maxilla and mandible with a needle injector, a specialized device most commonly utilized in North America and unique to mortuary practice. Care is taken to make the expression look as relaxed and natural as possible and ideally a recent photograph of the deceased while still living is used as a template. The process of closing the mouth, eyes, shaving, etc is collectively known as setting the features.
The actual embalming process usually involves four parts:
1. Arterial embalming, which involves the injection of embalming chemicals into the blood vessels, usually via the right common carotid artery. Blood and interstitial fluids are displaced by this injection and, along with excess arterial solution, are expelled from the right jugular vein and collectively referred to as drainage. The embalming solution is injected with a centrifugal pump and the embalmer massages the body to break up circulatory clots as to ensure the proper distribution of the embalming flu
"Three To Go Trio" Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bags
Made of 100% cotton terry cloth, this personalized set of three cosmetic bags is a great bridesmaid’s gift idea.
3-Piece Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bags
This set of terry cloth cosmetic bags will give all your toiletries a home. Features an easy clean lining, trim details and zip top closure. Add free personalization for an extra ...
3-Piece Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bags
Our 3-Piece Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bags make for a darling trio! This set of terry cloth cosmetic bags will give all your toiletries a home. Features an easy clean lining, trim ...
3-Piece Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bags - Monograms - Shop Love Me
3-Piece Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bags - Shop Love Me. ... 3-Piece Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bags. Our 3-Piece Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bags make for a darling trio!
Breast Cancer Awareness 3 Piece Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bags
Collections; Aprons and Gloves; Bag Holders; Baking & Serveware; Barbeque Accessories ; Baskets, Bins, Boxes; Cabinet & Shelf Organizers; Canning Supplies; Carts, Racks and ...
Personalized 3-Piece Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bags by Cathy's Concepts
Collections; Aprons and Gloves; Bag Holders; Baking & Serveware; Barbeque Accessories ; Baskets, Bins, Boxes; Cabinet & Shelf Organizers; Canning Supplies; Carts, Racks and ...
Pink or White Trim 3 Piece Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bag Set | Wedding ...
Pink or White Trim 3 Piece Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bag Set as well as other fine wedding accessories and supplies from WeddingsWithClass.com. Exceptional selection. Great prices.
3-Piece Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bags [CA-2078P] - $22.91 : ViBride.com ...
ViBride.com 3-Piece Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bags [CA-2078P] - Our 3-Piece Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bags make for a darling trio! This set of terry cloth cosmetic bags will give all your ...
Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bags, 3 pc. | www.gartnerstudios.com
Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bags, 3 pc. A darling trio! This set of terry cloth cosmetic bags will give all your toiletries a home. Features an easy clean lining, trim details and zip top ...
*3-Piece Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bags - Bridesmaids & Maid of Honor ...
*3-Piece Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bags Our 3-Piece Terry Cloth Cosmetic Bags make for a darling trio! This set of terry cloth cosmetic bags will give all your toiletries a home.