For the Honour therefore of our Profession, I have undertaken to vindicate _The Art of Embalming_, and will prove it to be no less antient and noble than _Surgery_ it self. In order to this, I will first shew both the antient and modern Methods of _Embalming_, as practis’d by the most learned and expert _Physicians_, _Surgeons_ and _Anatomists_, and then proceed to detect the Frauds and Subtilties of the _Undertakers_ or _Burial-Men_, to the end the World being made sensible of their Abuses, may the easier be reconcil’d to a right Opinion of the legal and skilful Artist; but before I proceed to acquaint you with any farther particulars, I shall content my self to shew you the Authority and Reasonableness of the Use of _Embalming_, together with the many Advantages that accrue thereby. [Sidenote: Useful in _Natural Philosophy_ and _Physiology_.] First, I presume, it may not be a little Entertaining, should I relate how far the Knowledge of this _Art_ may be necessary in our very Domestic and Culinary Affairs, such as, Tanning, Painting, Dying, Brewing, Baking, _&c._ as also in Confectionery, by Conserving all sorts of Roots, Herbs and Fruits, and Preserving Wines and Juices; for this _Art_ being grounded as well on _Natural Philosophy_ as _Physiology_, it not only teaches us how to Improve our Drinks, but our Aliments likewise, and not only to give a grateful Taste in Cookery, and thereby to whet the Appetite, but also to Preserve fresh Meats, Fish, Fruits, _&c._ beyond their wonted duration. [Sidenote: Particularly in _Anatomy_, _Surgery_, &c.] These Things however I will pass by for the present, that I may come more immediately to my principal _Intent_, which is to shew how a Body may be so Preserv’d, that by the help of _Anatomy_ we may trace its minute _Meanders_, and investigate the secret Passages thereof, without being hindred by any offensive _Odour_ or contaminating _Cruor_. [Sidenote: How Useful to the _Naturalist_,] By this _Art_ the _Naturalist_ may be enabled to Collect and Preserve a numberless variety of Birds, Beasts, Fishes, Reptiles, Herbs, Shrubs, Trees, with Things monstrous and preternatural; as likewise those which are more rare and not appropriate to his own Climate, and this for compleating his _Musæum_ or Repository with all the Curiosities and Rarities in the Animal and Vegetable World. [Sidenote: To the _Physician_,] By this _Art_ the _Physician_ learns the situation and use of the Parts of Man’s Body, with the several alterations and changes in the Juices, as well in their healthful as morbid State; and consequently knows how to preserve and confirm them free from all Diseases, as likewise to correct and put a stop to malignant and putrid Fevers, which otherwise must inevitably destroy the sick and weak Patient. [Sidenote: To the _Surgeon_.]