For chemical embalming, it is well known to those having experience
as undertakers and embalmers, that in order to successfully perform
this kind of work, it requires knowledge as well as experience. The
various circumstances encountered necessarily govern the work. In
the writer’s experience, he finds that when difficult and obstinate
cases are to be retained for some length of time (especially in warm
weather), it will be necessary to complete the work with care. A very
important matter in this work is to renovate the stomach thoroughly;
then, with simple instruments, similar to an aspirator needle or
trocar, give vent to the gases and thus expel them from the cavities
of the system. Then, with pump, draw off or force out the fluids and
gases from the organs of circulation, and in this manner disinfect
the body as far as possible. Elevate the head and shoulders for the
purpose of letting the inky fluid gravitate from the capillary system
of the face to the large vessels of the thorax. This will renew the
life’s characteristics in a remarkable and satisfactory manner, if
the gases be properly removed.
A simple method of disposing of the gastric juice of the stomach is
to inject into the nose or mouth one or two ounces of an aqueous
solution of any powerful antiseptic, similar to those mentioned
in this article, and after a few moments carry the head off the
bed, and, by gently pressing the stomach, empty its contents. This
will prevent further difficulty from purging, if refilled with
the solution and carefully sealed. Insert an instrument into the
trachea, and thus give vent to the gases in the lungs, and inject
full of the solution. In the same manner dispose of the gases from
the thorax, and fill with solution. Also, the abdominal cavities,
by completing thus, will preserve the viscera. The reagents or
coagulants spoken of render the albumenoids or azotized material
incapable of putrefaction, by the impervious nature of the compounds
it forms of all substances that have protein for their base, as the
tissues readily absorb the preserving solutions after being prepared
as mentioned above. This unites the antiseptic and deodorizing agent
with the very substances that it is necessary to render inactive in
order to successfully retain the remains of deceased persons.