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
“When all the parts are uncovered, and all the fat and cellular
tissue has been removed, the member thus prepared must be put into
a solution of two ounces of oxymuriate of mercury, to one pint of
rectified spirits of wine, and let remain entirely covered with this
for at least fifteen days, for it cannot remain too long. A box of
oak, painted white and varnished is the best recipient for the limb,
whilst in solution; the cover must fit closely, in order to prevent the
evaporation of the spirits of wine.
“The member must be withdrawn every two or three days, and any
remaining cellular tissue is to be removed, and when returned to
the tub the part which previously touched the bottom must be placed
uppermost. The best thing upon which to place the preparation, when
withdrawn from the solution, is a butcher’s tray, after having been
well oiled; without this precaution the tray imbibes moisture, from
which results a great loss of the solution. When the limb has remained
long enough in the solution, it is to be taken out, to be painted and
varnished.
“Before proceeding to these operations, the member kept in a state of
extension, is suspended and dried, then endued with white varnish. On
the same day the nerves, the tendons, and tendinous expansions, ought
also to be varnished; which must be repeated once a day, for three
consecutive days. The fifth day, the tendons, ought to be covered with
a layer of yellow varnish, and white paint mixed in equal parts; this
operation is to be repeated the seventh, eighth, and ninth day. The
nerves, must also be endued, as often as necessary, with a mixture of
equal parts of white paint, and white varnish.
“As soon as the muscles have become stiff, they may be painted, taking
care that the nerves and tendons, are not touched by the paint. Nearly
a month after the limb has been withdrawn from the solution, those
of the nerves and tendons that are not sufficiently coloured should
be repainted and varnished, as often as may be judged necessary. But
always allowing a day’s interval between each application of paint and
varnish.
“These operations being finished, wash lightly the tendons and nerves
with boiled flax seed oil; this layer being dry, give a second over the
whole limb; finally, several layers of copal varnish will terminate
the operation. The first layer of copal varnish to be applied to the
arteries with a slight addition of vermillion, and of Prussian blue,
for the veins.
“In order to preserve the liver, it is necessary first to inject the
vena porta and excretory ducts with white varnish, to which has been
joined one-fifth of turpentine varnish, and some coloring matter, such
as red lead. Then make the coarse injection, after which the liver
is to be put into the solution for a least fifteen days; it is not
necessary to heat it before injecting. The ligaments are to be prepared
in the same manner as the tendons.
“We give below the paints, and varnishes, employed in the preceding
preparations:
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