History of Embalming: and of Preparations in Anatomy, Pathology, and Natural History; Including an Account of a New Process for EmbalmingGannal, J.-N. (Jean-Nicolas)
History
History of Embalming: and of Preparations in Anatomy, Pathology, and Natural History; Including an Account of a New Process for Embalming
Gannal, J.-N. (Jean-Nicolas)
Anatomical specimens -- Collection and preservation; Embalming -- History; Mummies
The whole so disposed, that the skeletons and muscular pieces are
arranged alternatively. We see, also, entire carcases of men, so
arranged, that the head, which is placed on the large bones, is crowned
by the vertebræ, and the ribs are suspended above. This order, added
to the quantity of paintings and gildings which embellish the cases
and cornices, produces a very fine effect. The side which looks to the
south, includes a great number of bottles of all sizes, and contains
objects taken from the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms.
The middle of the cabinet is occupied by numerous interesting objects.
We first perceive a large glass case, which includes all the internal
parts of man, and fetuses of all ages, and a microscope to view the
circulation of the blood. Then appears a horse’s skeleton, mounted
by a skeleton cavalier, holding a sword in his hand; an air pump; an
anatomical table, upon which is a corpse, and an anatomist in wax,
standing before it, dissecting.
Among the pieces of the cabinet mentioned by M. De Rasière, the most
remarkable are: _In the first glass case_, the preparation of Gotard’s
skeleton, in which are distinctly displayed the four hundred and
fifty-six muscles. _Second case_: partial preparation of the eyes and
the tongue, of the head, of the body, of the arms and legs. _Third
case_: preparation of the muscles, arteries, veins, and nerves of
the right side, and the skeleton of the left side. The _fifth case_
is a complete preparation, in which the skin and fat has only been
removed, and all the parts beneath separated. We here observe, first,
the ascending aorta, which carries the blood to all the superior
parts; second, the carotid arteries, which supply the head; third, the
temporal arteries; fourth, the radial arteries (pulse;) fifth, the
crural arteries, and an infinity of others even to the most delicate
branches. The veins are filled with a black fluid. Sixth, preparation
of the veins of the arm. Seventh, jugular veins; eighth, veins of the
foot; ninth, vena cava ascendens. _Eighth case_: a subject resembling
accurately a mummy or embalmed body, such as are brought from Egypt.
All the flesh is covered by the skin, through which may be seen the
veins and arteries filled with congealed and coloured wax. The hair
of the head, the beard, and all the hair of the body, as well as the
nails, are still attached to it. _The eleventh glass case_ encloses the
body of Nicholas Lefort, aged eighty-three years, a native of Douai,
in Flanders: this subject is peculiarly tasteful, every thing being
naturally arranged; the external muscles are divested of their fat, and
all the arteries, veins, and nerves, which ramify upon the muscles,
skin, &c., have been preserved, which renders this preparation as
curious as it was difficult of execution. _Twelfth case_: preparation
of the nerves.
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