In 1867, chemist August Wilhelm von Hofmann discovered formaldehyde, replacing the use of arsenic in the 20th century, and became the foundation for modern methods of embalming. Modern embalming cocktails contain a mixture of formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, ethanol, humectants and other wetting agents.
Embalming began in the late 1800’s, during the Victorian era as a means to preserve human
remains for scientific study. It grew steadily in the 19th century in the
funeral industry as demand increased by those who wished to be buried in remote
locations and display the body of the deceased.
In the United States, embalming became popular during the
Civil War when returning deceased servicemen and officials came home for local
burials. The US and Canada are the only countries where the practice of
embalming is so widespread that it is considered ordinary.Imagine that you’re at a viewing, and the deceased in the casket is beautifully done. The eyes are gently closed. The deceased looks as though they are in the midst of a peaceful sleep. (In life, the deceased slept with their mouth gaping and their face squished against their pillow.) It’s the embalmer’s job to transform the deceased into something attractive that resembled them during their life.
Embalming is an invasive procedure that involves the
injection of chemical solutions into all parts of the body.. Embalming for
funeral purposes can last from a day to a week, This depends on the methods
used and the temperature and humidity of where the body is being stored.
The length of preservation depends greatly on the rate of decomposition. Bodies embalmed for medical donation use a much stronger solution of chemicals than mortuary-embalming in order to preserve the bodies from 6 months to 2 years. This results in a leather-like texture, which is undesirable for cosmetic-purposes such as a funeral. Since the embalming process is not done in front of a live audience, here are the steps involved in this art:
1.
Lay them down
to sleep: To begin, the deceased is undressed and placed on their
back, with private areas covered on a mortuary table with the head elevated by
a head block.
2.
Check the
vitals: The next step, possibly the most important, involves
checking vital signs to prevent premature burial. Embalmers check for clouded
corneas, lividity, rigor mortis, and a pulse in the carotid or radial artery.
3.
Bathe and
massage: Once the death of the cadaver is confirmed; embalmers then wash
the deceased with disinfectant and germicidal solutions while bending, flexing,
and massaging arms and legs to relieve rigor mortis.
4.
Setting of the
face: Before any incision is made, embalmers will set the features
of the deceased. Often times embalmers use a photograph provided by the family
or friends to set the eyes and mouth.
The eyes are posed using an eye-cap, which keeps the eyes
shut and in a “natural” expression. The mouth is then set by wiring the jaw
shut, suturing the lips and gums and then adhesive is used to make the
expression look as relaxed and natural as possible.
5.
Arterial
embalming; drain and eject: Once the
expression is set, arterial embalming begins. Arterial embalming is the process
of draining the blood vessels while simultaneously injecting embalming
chemicals into arteries.
This is done using a centrifugal pump, which mimics the
beating of a heart, while massaging the body to break up blood clots and ensure
thorough distribution of embalming fluid. The blood, which is expelled as the
fluid is injected, is then sent down the drain and into the sewer.
6.
Cavity
embalming; aspirate and concentrate: Following
arterial embalming is cavity embalming. Cavity embalming involves removing any
built up gas and fluids in the organs with an aspirator and filling them with
concentrated embalming chemicals using a trocar (a large-bore hollow needle).
Other orifices are plugged with cotton or a special A/V tool to prevent
undesired leakage as the body decomposes.
7.
Hypodermic
embalming; for those hard to reach places: Hypodermic
embalming is a supplemental method of embalming in which fluid is injected into
the tissue using a hypodermic needle and syringe to treat areas where arterial
fluids did not reach. Hypodermic embalming is used on a case-by-case basis.
8.
Surface
embalming and washing: Surface embalming utilizes embalming
chemicals to restore surface damage due to decomposition, cancer, or other
epidermal injury and is applied directly to the skin. This is an ‘as needed’
step which is either followed or replaced by rewashing and drying the deceased.
9.
Moisturize and
make-up: A moisturizing cream or lotion is applied to the deceased
and makeup is applied to the face, neck and hands to mimic a natural complexion.
Hair gel or baby oil may be applied to the hair and styled while baby powder is
applied to the body to eliminate odors. Sometimes wax, Plaster of Paris, and
other cosmetic techniques are used to reconstruct features.
10.
Dress and
situate for viewing: The deceased is dressed for
visitation or funeral service and placed in the coffin or casket of choice. A
typical embalming takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete. Cosmetology,
dressing, and "casketing" of the body may prolong the process to several
hours.
“The death industry markets caskets and
embalming under the rubric of helping bodies look 'natural,' but our current
death customs are as natural as training majestic creatures like bears and
elephants to dance in cute little outfits, or erecting replicas of the Eiffel
Tower and Venetian canals in the middle of the harsh American desert.”
(Caitlin Doughty)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“10
Horrible Myths And Misconceptions About Embalming” by Mort C
·
“Everything You Want to Know About Embalming…And
Even the Things You Don't “by Mica Matlack
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