Embalming by Arterial Injection.
If circumstances render it desirable that the body shall be fully
embalmed and preserved for an indefinite length of time, the Arterial
Circulation should be filled with the Excelsior Preservative.
It is essential that you should have a thorough knowledge of all of the
details of the methods used for the preservation of the dead by partial
embalming or cavity injection as it is sometimes called, and to have
some experience in the care of the dead by the processes already
described, or at least to fully understand them, as it is necessary for
the very best results from Arterial injection that the _entire process_
of preserving and partial embalming of a body should be carefully and
faithfully performed, according to previous instructions, as it is
equally as necessary as the injecting of the Arterial Circulation, and
_no part or portion_ of the previous instructions for preserving should
ever be omitted in a case of full embalming.
You can very easily learn from any physician where to find the arteries,
how to distinguish them from the veins and nerves, and how to take them
up and inject them, and it will be only necessary for you to have one
ocular demonstration by your family physician how the operation is
performed which with the minute directions I will now give you, will be
sufficient, in fact, quite a large number of our customers who are now
proficient in the art, have become so without any teaching other than
that they have gained by reading and studying over carefully my
directions, and practicing, whenever there were opportunities, and if
you will procure the proper instruments and practice by yourself alone
(and you will find many opportunities to practice upon subjects not
requiring full embalming) you can acquire the necessary skill without
personal instructions from any one.
Either of the three great arteries, viz: The Carotid, Femoral or
Brachial may be selected for the operation, as it makes no difference in
its effectiveness, all of the arteries of the body inosculating or
intercommunicating with each other as well as being connected at the
heart as a central point.
The arteries after death are flattened or collapsed, which is due to the
fact that the blood is congealed in the veins, leaving the arteries
empty and pale. Every artery has its corresponding vein by its side from
which it is easily distinguished, as the veins are of a bluish color,
while the arteries are of a creamish white. There is usually a nerve in
close proximity to the artery, and although nearly of the same color, it
may be distinguished by its being rounder and not being hollow like the
artery. Taken between the thumb and finger the artery has the feeling of
a hollow tube, while the nerve feels more solid to the touch being
filled with a fibrous substance, something of the consistency of marrow.
The Carotid or great Artery of the neck (see illustration) being the
largest one of the whole body, is used for the injection by some
Embalmers, but in many cases it is necessary to avoid having the marks
of the incision show, as would be the case with children dressed low in
the neck. The Femoral, or main artery of the thigh (see illustration) is
also objectionable from the necessary exposure while performing the
operation, and as the Arterial Circulation can be filled equally as well
from the Brachial or large artery of the arm, I would advise its
selection, and as a rule, the confining of your practice to that
location, as it is best to be expert in performing the operation by the
one method rather than to be awkward from lack of sufficient practice
from trying too many ways unless your opportunities for practicing are
greater than is ordinarily the case.
[Illustration: [Fleuron]]