There are modifications in the processes used for the preservation of
bodies, which are governed by circumstances affecting the different
conditions of the body at the time of death. Although we may lay
general rules for the quantity and variety of antiseptics used
in embalming, there are certain cases where the quantity of the
chemicals which enter into the composition of the injecting fluid
must be either increased or curtailed, as well as the amount of the
injection.
It would require the scope of a cyclopedia to give in detail the
proportions of each constituent in the number of different cases
which may come under the notice of the embalmer.
The mode of operation in all cases may be the same, but the nature
and quantity of the injection will vary, first, with the climatic
circumstances of the atmosphere; second, with the cause of death;
third, with the age of the deceased; fourth, with the state of the
body after death; fifth, with the length of time which has elapsed
since death took place.
It has been demonstrated in a previous chapter that a high
temperature is conducive to rapid decomposition of organic matter,
also that a warm, moist atmosphere will operate in the same manner;
it is therefore incumbent upon the operator to guard against these
two agents of putrefaction by keeping the body in a moderately
cool and well ventilated place until the work of preserving is
accomplished; also to give the antiseptics employed time to
successfully destroy and render harmless the dangerous effects of the
heat.
It must not be understood by the preceding caution that a body cannot
be embalmed in an ordinary room during the heat of the summer, but
the suggestion herein given is solely for the purpose of facilitating
the operation and rendering the success certain; besides, as it has
been illustrated in some of the processes precedingly given, the
strength as well as the quantity of the injection have been increased
when used during the warm season.
As to the modifications to be observed in the treatment of bodies,
when the cause of death is taken into consideration. It has formed
the subject of some chapters to show that, in cases where death is
the result of a certain class of diseases, the body is more prone to
putrefy than in others; whilst in other cases, again, the body is to
a certain extent preserved from corruption by the agents which have
proved fatal to the organism; as, for instance, when death has been
the result of poisoning, either by alcohol or arsenic.
The age of the person deceased, and the condition of the body after
death, as also the length of time elapsed since death took place, as
affecting the mode of treatment, have all been discussed in a former
part of this work, and it would hardly be necessary to have a new
elucidation upon the same subject.
The important point we wish to impress now upon the minds of
our professionals is, that circumstances in this case are to be
strictly investigated; also, that a uniform treatment of all cases,
however different the circumstances and conditions, will not prove
successful; and that a thorough knowledge and experience are
necessary to achieve satisfactory results.
Discrimination and judgment are to be used in every case. Some
are too ready to condemn a certain process, or to question the
properties of some antiseptics, because their first trial of either
has proved an ignominious failure; whereas the real cause of all the
trouble lies in their ignorance of the laws which govern the mode of
proceeding, and the use of the chemicals placed at their disposition.
Others, again, are prone to extol the merits of some preparation,
the component parts of which they do not know, but it may have done
them good service in several instances; and when, contrary to their
expectations, it fails to answer the purpose, they lose faith in it,
discard it altogether as worthless, and never entertain the idea
that an alteration in the quantity used, or in the combination and
strength of the constituents, is the real source of mischief.
Hence, it is a fact not to be denied that a diagnosis (if it may
be called so) is necessary before the work of embalming be entered
into. And he who would endeavor to preserve the body of a stout,
fleshy person by the same means employed in the preserving of a body
emaciated by long sufferings, and under different conditions of
temperature, might not meet with a success equal to his expectations.