This work being accomplished, we next come to the heart, which, as I
have already stated, is separately embalmed. Supposing, then, that it
has been removed from its place, divested of its pericardium, and both
its ventricles opened, frequently washed with spirits of wine, and
well cleaned of clotted blood, and of all other impurities that may
be attached to it, and having allowed it to soak during the preceding
operations in spirits of wine, or in distilled oil of turpentine,
the apothecary now takes this viscera thus prepared; he fills the
ventricles with powdered aloes, myrrh, benzoin, and styrax; he may
even rub it with oil, or essence of nutmeg, cloves, and canella, as
also with the tinctures of ambergris, musk, and civet; he will then
arrange it in perfumed cotton, so as to make it contain the powders,
which, with the oils, will form a paste, and he will place it in a
little sack of cere-cloth, perfumed with some of the above named
essences, with which also he will rub the box in which it is to be
enclosed, both internally and externally, solder it carefully and
envelope it in taffeta of a certain colour, which must be equally
soaked and rubbed with essences or tinctures, and tied with ribands
of the same colour; the violet colour is the most appropriate for
ecclesiastics.
I remember having embalmed the heart of an Abbe of quality who had
led an exemplary life: the odour which it exhaled was so _sweet and
agreeable, that it perfumed for several months the choir of the convent
des Dames Religieuses, where it was deposited_.
The body and the heart being thus embalmed, it only remains to speak of
the viscera, the lungs, and the brain, &c.
Blancardus teaches us the method of embalming separately all these
parts; but, for myself, I do not attempt it; when they are embalmed,
and it is desired to place them in a barrel in this state, it is still
requisite to have recourse to spirits of wine, of the best quality;
our brandy and aromatic wines are not strong enough. In order the
more easily to clean these viscera, they must be opened lengthwise,
incisions must be made in the lungs, the spleen, the uterus, and the
other contents of the cavities; cleaned of blood, serosity, and other
foreign matter, which would cause them to putrefy in a little time;
then washed with strong spirits of wine, having been previously washed
in other liquors, and then arranged in a barrel, so that the powder
first covers the bottom, placing a portion of the viscera on this first
layer, and afterwards a second bed of powder; and continue thus to
place the viscera and the powders alternatively, and by layers, until
the barrel be nearly full, taking care that the last layer consists of
this prepared powder, which must not be spared on this occasion. This
barrel, which ought to be made of lead, should be placed in a second of
wood, which must be accurately headed and pitched. (One wooden barrel
only, was used for Henry III., King of France.)
Nevertheless, with all the precautions that could be taken to preserve
these parts, in employing quantities of spirits of wine, aromatic
powders, and other proper drugs, I have strong doubts that they would
soon corrupt, and even before they could arrive at the place destined
for their sepulture. Finally, when the body is to be publicly exposed
on the bed where it died, the face should be washed with spirits of
wine, and with true balm, refreshing it frequently; but when it is
necessary to expose it on a bed of parade to remain several days, it is
commonly sufficient to mould it in wax, and to show only its external
figure, during the time that the body is upon the bed embalmed in a
coffin. But, when the body itself of the deceased is exposed, it is
necessary, in the first place, to paint and powder the hair or wig with
a fine powder of pleasant odour; shave the beard, if there be any,
fill the mouth with powder and cotton, to elevate and protrude the
cheeks, to which may be applied a little rouge, as well as to the lips;
if the natural eyes have been removed, replace them with artificial
eyes; force perfumed cotton up the nostrils; the nose may be refreshed
with a linen cloth liberally endued with true balm, during the time
that the subject is withdrawn from public view; thus, the mouth, and
generally all the parts that ought to be seen, will be in their natural
state, to the end that they may be the more readily recognised. For
this reason, there ought not to be made any scarifications, as it is
expressly remarked in the library of Herodotus. “Each part,” says he,
“is so perfectly preserved, that the hair of the eyebrows and eyelids,
and even all the form of the body so well retain their appearance, that
the figure and natural disposition is known with facility.”
But, for all other subjects, those which are to be transported, you
will deviate as little as possible from the following prescriptions.
After having emptied the cranium by means of a large trepan opening
made in the back part of the head; having removed the viscera, the
throat, the membranes; scarified the fleshy parts, and having purged
them of blood and other serosities, the corpse should be placed in one
of the lotions, or in one of the brines described in chapter fifth, the
materials of which are to be chosen according to the place and season
of the year; and, after some days of maceration, the subject being well
drained, insinuate into the cavity of the cranium new melted wax;
after which, replace the piece of cranium removed by the trephine;
sew up the skin, and fill likewise the chest and abdomen with melted
wax, and sew them up; afterwards fill the scarifications with such
powders, aromatics, or herbs, as the country affords; bandage the body
accurately with linen bandages, endued with one of the above mentioned
liniments, or, in the absence of these, with turpentine, or with the
tincture of myrrh and aloes, rubbing them on the body with coarse
brushes; afterwards place the body (as was done with the bodies of
Alexander and Agesilaus,) in a coffin filled with good honey, so that
it may be surrounded on all sides, and penetrated within and without;
and after having placed this well soldered coffin in another of wood,
which must be well pitched, transport it to its place of destination.
There it must be washed with spirits of wine before being exposed to
the public.
A fairer specimen of embalming could not be chosen, than that which
was made of Madame la Dauphine, by M. Riqueur, apothecary to the
king and to this princess, assisted by his oldest son, apothecary to
the king in survivorship. This embalming was executed with all the
disinterestedness, ability, and prudence that could be desired, in
the presence of M. D’Aquin, then first physician to the king; of M.
Fagon, first physician to the late queen, and now first physician to
the king; of M. Petit, first physician to Monseigneur le Dauphine;
and M. Moreau, first physician to the late Madame la Dauphine; of
M. Felix, first surgeon to the king; of M. Clemint, master surgeon
of Paris, and accoucheur of the said princess. M. Dionis, his first
surgeon, operated, assisted by Baillet, ordinary surgeon, and by
another ordinary surgeon: Madam, the Dutchesse d’Arpajon, lady of
honour; Madame la Marechall de Rochefort, lady of the bed-chamber; and
many other ladies. M. Riqueur had the kindness, knowing that I was
interested in such operations, to communicate his method to me.
_Description of the balm which was made for Madame la Dauphine._
℞. Florence iris root, 3 ℔.
Rush, 1-1/2 ℔.
Bohemian angelica root, ginger, aromatic
calamus, aristolochia, _a.a._ 1 ℔.
Imperatoria, gentian, valerian, _a.a._ 1/2 ℔.
Balmgentle leaves, basilic, _a.a._ 1-1/2 ℔.
Savory, sage, thyme, _a.a._ 1 ℔.
Hyssop, laurel, myrrh, marjory, origan,
rhue, _a.a._ 1/2 ℔.
Southern wood, absynth, mint, calamint, wild
thyme, odoriferous rush, scordium, _a.a._ 4 ℥.
Orange flowers, 1-1/2 ℔.
Lavender, 4 ℥.
Rosemary, 1 ℔.
Coriander seed, 2-1/2 ℔.
Cardamum seed, 1 ℔.
Cumin, carraway, _a.a._ 4 ℥.
Fruit, and seeds of the juniper, 1 ℔.
Cloves, 1-1/2 ℔.
Nutmeg, 1 ℔.
White pepper, 4 ℥.
Dried oranges, 3 ℔.
Cedar wood, 3 ℔.
Santal citron, roses, _a.a._ 2 ℔.
Citron and orange peal, canella, _a.a._ 1/2 ℔.
Styrax, calamite, benzoin, olibanum, _a.a._ 1-1/2 ℔.
Myrrh, 2-1/2 ℔.
Sandarac, 1/2 ℔.
Aloes, 4 ℔.
Spirits of wine, 4 ℔.
Salt, 4 ℥.
Venice turpentine, 3 ℔.
Fluid styrax, 2 ℔.
Balsam of copaiba, 1/2 ℔.
Balsam of Peru, 2 ℥.
Cere-cloth.
“The heart, after having been emptied, washed with spirits of wine and
dried, was placed in a glass vessel with this liquor; and this same
organ, having been filled with a balm made of canella, cloves, myrrh,
styrax, and benzoin, was put into a sack of cere-cloth of its own
shape, which was again enclosed in a box of lead, cordiform, which was
immediately soldered, to be presented to Madame la Duchesse d’Arpajon,
who placed it in the hands of Monseigneur, the Bishop of Meaux, first
almoner of the late Madame la Duchesse, who deposited it subsequently
in the Val-de-Grace. The opening of the body was made most accurately
by M. Dionis, her first surgeon. M. Riqueur filled all the cavities
with stoupes and powdered balm. Incisions were made along the arms as
far down as the hands; these were supplied with aromatic powder, after
expressing all the blood and washing with spirits of wine; the same
operation was repeated on the thighs, which were incised in different
places down to the feet, and all was neatly sewed up. A coarse brush
was used to rub the body with a hot liquid balm, made of turpentine,
styrax, and the balsams of copaiba and Peru, as already prescribed.
Each part was enveloped in bandages soaked in spirits of wine, placing
as much as possible of the said aromatic powder between the body and
the bandages. The body was dressed in a chemise and a religious tunic,
and surrounded with other marks of a particular devotion, such as
a little chain of iron, at the end of which was a cross, which the
princess kept in a trunk which she had brought with her from Bavaria.
The body was then enveloped in cere-cloth and compactly tied, in order
to be placed in a leaden coffin; at the bottom and throughout which,
there was four fingers depth of the said balm in powder. This coffin,
being well soldered, was enclosed in another of wood, all the vacant
spaces having been filled with dried aromatic herbs. The entrails,
after being well prepared, were placed in a leaden coffin, with a great
quantity of the same aromatic powders, which, being well soldered, was
enclosed in a barrel of wood.”
We shall have occasion again to recur to this mode of preparation;
observing only, that a subject thus mutilated, slashed, and stuffed,
has more the resemblance of prepared meat than an embalmed body; that
the sentiment which led to a recourse to embalming, ought to create
a deep horror for the mutilation of a body which it was desirable to
possess in all its integrity; that, in fine, the operation of embalming
thus practised is more cruel for the feelings, than the natural
destruction and dissolution of the parts.
CHAPTER VI.
ART OF EMBALMING IN OUR OWN DAYS, PREVIOUS TO MY DISCOVERIES.
Organic chemistry has made great progress since the commencement of
the present century, and the facts upon which it is constituted have
been sufficiently known and accurately studied, to elevate it to the
rank of an exact science. Numerous applications have been made, with
immense advantage to the arts and sciences; but the great light it has
shed in such numerous directions, has but feebly enlightened the art
of embalming, and we will say, with M. Pelletan, that we cannot but be
astonished to observe, that the same processes are continued in our
day which were only predicated on the description of Herodotus upon
points evidently defective, and that without any kind of discernment
or analysis, in a manner entirely routine. No regard has been taken to
the enormous difference which the dissimilitude of exterior conditions
must establish between our practices and those of the Egyptians. It
is, nevertheless, an art thus constituted, which will invoke the aid
of three learned professions. It was, indeed, a grave subject of
discussion to determine, whether the physician, the surgeon, or the
apothecary, ought to take precedence in the honours of this operation.
A conciliatory spirit once arose in one of these disputes; after long
consideration and mature examination, it was concluded, that the three
professions rendered such services in these circumstances, that they
should march in a line, and that they ought, in consequence, to render
each other aid and support in a common cause. Nevertheless, judging
from the great incisions, perforations, the flesh hacked and stuffed
with perfumes, the arbiter would have been justified in deciding that
the hog-butcher possessed superior claims to any of his competitors for
practising embalming. We shall be convinced, in reading the following
notice, that the pretensions which we claim in favour of an honest
artist, are neither ridiculous nor extravagant.
M. Boudet, charged with the embalming of the senators, gives us a
faithful account of the method which he followed to preserve the
magnates of the empire.
There was prepared for this operation:--
1. A powder composed of tan, decrepitated salt, quinquina, canella,
and other astringent and aromatic substances, Jew’s pitch, benzoin,
& c.; the whole mixed and reduced to a fine powder, and sprinkled with
essential oils: the tan forms one-half the weight, the salt one-fourth.
2. Alcohol saturated with camphor.
3. Camphorated vinegar, with spirits of camphor.
4. A varnish, composed of the balsam of Peru, and balsam of copaiba,
fluid styrax, oil of nutmeg, lavender, and thyme, &c.
5. Alcohol saturated with hyper-oxygenated muriate of mercury.
The whole being prepared, the cavities are opened with large incisions,
and the viscera extracted; a crucial incision is made in the
integuments of the cranium, the skull sawn circularly, and the brain
removed; the intestinal tube is to be opened its whole length, and
numerous deep incisions made in it; the whole to be washed repeatedly;
after expressing them, wash them again in camphorated vinegar, and
again with camphorated alcohol. All the internal parts thus prepared
and rolled in the compound powder, are ready to be replaced. Numerous
incisions are then to be made on the internal surfaces of the great
cavities, following the direction of the muscles; wash all the parts
and express them well; to which must succeed lotions of vinegar and
camphorated alcohol; afterwards apply with a small brush, the alcoholic
solution of corrosive sublimate to all the incisions; it produces much
heat, the muscles become bleached, and the surface is promptly dried.
This done, a layer of varnish must be applied to all the internal
incisions, filling them with the powder; the varnish is also applied to
all the internal surfaces of the cavities, also a layer of the powder
which will adhere to the varnish; each viscera is then to be replaced
in its proper position, adding as much of the powder as is necessary
to fill the vacant spaces, and sew up the integuments, taking care to
varnish and powder the internal surface of those which are contiguous
to the bones. All the cavities being closed, varnish the external
incisions and fill them with powder; varnish also the whole surface
of the skin, and apply a layer of powder which will adhere generally.
To the corpse thus embalmed, apply to every part, including the face,
methodical bandages, which will produce a general pressure and cover
all the surface; varnish the first bandage, and apply a layer of
powder; and finally, a second bandage, which must also be varnished;
when the body is deposited in a leaden coffin, and all the spaces
filled with compound powder, solder on the lid, and the operation is
finished.[5]
[5] It is astonishing that M. Boudet, charged with the embalming
of the senators of the empire, did not think of profiting by the
discoveries of the illustrious Chaussier, in order to simplify a
method so ridiculously empirical; for, between his processes and the
thousand formulæ of Penicher, the difference is not very great; it is
the same accumulation of powders, resins, balms, essences, &c. He had,
notwithstanding, a good example to follow in anticipation of a better,
which was the embalming of Colonel Morland.
It will be perceived that, in this method, the access of air is, as
much as possible, opposed; but this precaution is illusory, since
in place of drying the body, it has been filled with powders which
are real hygrometers, and which only absorb humidity to become
themselves loaded with it: that indispensable condition to all perfect
preservation was here wanting, _completely to desiccate the body_,
still preserving it afterwards from all humidity and access of air;
adding further, that many of these substances neutralize each other.
M. Pelletan, who furnishes us with the preceding criticism, proposes
to rectify the method after the data which we derive from those of the
Egyptians, of Clauderus, and the researches of Rouelle. Consequently,
we must proceed in the following manner: remove all the viscera, sew
up carefully the integuments, plunge the body for several weeks, in a
weak solution of sub-carbonate of soda, after having filled all the
cavities with it; wash the corpse freely, and soak it for some days
in an aluminous bath, to remove all the alkaline particles; expose it
afterwards to the air, or in a stove, to produce desiccation, taking
care to fill all the cavities with tow, and with resinous and aromatic
matters, so as to preserve the form; desiccation once completed,
varnish with care the whole surface of the body, and envelope it in a
double bandage, impregnated, and covered with the same varnish. This
method, which approaches nearly that of the Egyptians, would secure,
without doubt, a perfect preservation, provided the body be placed in a
situation exempt from all humidity, and the temperature of which is not
variable.
We should acknowledge the justice of these observations, and thank M.
Pelletan for having substituted an accurate and rational proceeding
for blind and thoughtless practices. The operation, nevertheless, as
proposed by the professor, still exacts numerous mutilations. The
inconvenience and inutility of so many efforts to preserve the body of
our own kind, was, besides, long experienced by many spirited writers;
which is proved by the eagerness with which they took advantage of
the discoveries of Chaussier, respecting the properties of corrosive
sublimate applied to embalming. By his researches it was proved, that
this salt preserved animal matters soaked in its aqueous solution;
that it produced this effect by an intimate combination with animal
matter; in fine, that this matter saturated with corrosive sublimate,
passed so quickly into a state of desiccation, that it was necessary
to moderate it, to prevent the horny hardening of the soft parts.
Parts thus prepared, are rigid, hard, grayish, and preserved at the
same time from putrefaction and insects. No time was lost to profit
by this property of the deuto-chloride of mercury, to apply it to the
preservation of whole bodies. It was, in fine, the last method of
embalming practised previously to my own, and held as very superior to
that of the ancients. We shall collect here, some observations cited as
remarkable examples, and as proofs of the excellence of the process. It
will remain for us afterwards to appreciate its merits. Let us first
see the facts.
_First fact, (A.) Preparation made by Beclard._
M. Beclard, chief of the anatomical works at the School of Medicine,
was charged with the preservation of the body of a young man thirty
years of age, who died of a hectic fever. The relatives desired to
place the body in a glass case, and _requested, above all, that it
should not be opened_. In spite of the disadvantage of this last
restriction, M. Beclard succeeded in this operation by the following
process: _the intestines were withdrawn, opened, and cleaned in a
portion of their length, by a little hole made in the abdomen_. He
penetrated the chest by means of _two incisions_, under the armpits;
through which water was injected; _a small hole_ was also made in
the cranium; the blood of the abdominal and cutaneous veins was, as
much as possible, expressed out, a mercurial solution was injected
into the trachea, and the salt in substance introduced into all the
cavities; the corpse was then soaked in a bath saturated with corrosive
sublimate. During the first month it appeared to offer some signs of
putrefaction; it was then thought necessary to introduce an instrument
into the abdomen by the aid of which the _peritoneum was incised_
at different points, M. Beclard having already remarked, that those
parts situated beneath the serous membranes, escaped the action of the
sublimate: the body was returned to the bath; some scarifications were
made beneath those points of the skin which appeared greenish; the
epidermis of the soles of the feet also protected the subjacent parts;
this was removed; finally, after two months sojourn in the sublimated
bath, the body being withdrawn during a hot and dry season, became
desiccated in a few days. It was preserved for a year enclosed in a
box, without exhaling any odour, or without any sign of alteration.
The skin is of a leaden gray colour, and the features of the face are
deformed by the emaciation of the lips and cheeks.
_Second fact, (B.) Preservation of the body of Colonel Morland._
In one of the German campaigns, M. le Baron Larrey was charged with the
direction of the preservation of the body of the brave Colonel Morland,
who received a mortal wound in one of the most brilliant charges. M.
Ribes aided him in this preparation.[6] They at first removed all the
viscera through an incision made in a line with the crest of the right
ilium, and in cutting the attachments of the diaphragm, and the canals
which pass through the superior opening of the chest, the crown of the
trephine applied to the posterior part of the cranium permitted the
brain to be cleaned out by repeated injections. The eye was opened
by bursting its globe. Having introduced the powdered sublimate into
all the cavities, those of the face were plugged in order to prevent
emaciation; the features were protected by graduated compresses and
methodical bandages; the whole body was itself enveloped in several
cloths, and placed in a barrel of super-saturated solution of corrosive
sublimate; in this state the whole was forwarded to Paris. At the
end of some months the barrel was opened; the body was found well
preserved; on exposure to the air it dried quickly; care was taken to
fill all the cavities with stoupes; the membranes of the eye, which had
retired to the bottom of the orbit, were replaced by eyes of enamel;
the hair, the eyelids, and the mustaches were preserved; _the features
were recognisable_, and the body varnished carefully, and dressed in
the usual clothes, produced a soft and melancholy illusion in those who
had known this excellent officer. Now that several years have passed,
the body of Colonel Morland, placed in a glass case in the library of
M. Larrey, offers no sign of alteration, exhales no odour, and remains
_perfectly recognisable_, although the skin looks _brown, and as if
tanned_, and _all the cellular membrane appears to have disappeared_,
so that the form of the muscles may be perceived through the dried
integuments.
[6] We ought to render homage to the zeal and noble devotion which
enabled the celebrated Larrey to surmount all the difficulties of his
position to preserve the body of a companion in arms.
_Remarks on observing Colonel Morland’s body._--We have seen the body
of Colonel Morland, and we can comprehend that persons who have known
him, and who have seen him dressed, may carry the illusion so far as to
recognise some of his features. But, as for ourselves, it appeared to
us impossible that a corpse, the white skin of which had become brown
and tanned, of which all the cellular tissue had disappeared, and the
general aspect of which is that of a rigid membrane glued to the bones,
and some few dried fleshy fasciculi, should preserve a great likeness
to the subject of which it affords only some wrecks. We confine
ourselves here to the indication of the exaggeration of this fact in
particular; we shall touch upon this subject again in our general
remarks.
_Third fact, (C.) Preservation of a young girl of ten years._
M. Boudet, apothecary, was requested by a mother to prepare the body of
a daughter who had died at the age of ten years, in such a manner that
she could continually enjoy the sight of her.
A bust had been made of the infant, and they had taken care to choose,
at the moment of death, eyes of enamel perfectly resembling her own.
M. Boudet, untrammelled in his operation, which was performed at his
own house, commenced by removing the viscera, by the aid of incisions
skilfully managed. He extracted the brain through the occiput. The
eyes were taken out and replaced by a plug; all the cavities were
immediately filled with a dry stoupe, and the openings closed with
accurate sutures. During these various preparations, the body had
been plunged in a bath of pure alcohol, then into an alcohol bath
containing a little sublimate. All being thus disposed of, the body
was placed in a bath of distilled water, saturated with the sublimate,
and in which still soaked some parcels filled with this salt. The body
remained three months in this solution; forty pounds of the sublimate
were consumed; much of the mild muriate was precipitated; even a
portion of the mercury was revivified; but it is _necessary to observe_
that the vase in which he operated _was of lead_, which should occasion
the decomposition, and augment the consummation of the sublimate. At
the end of three months the body was withdrawn from the bath, in order
to proceed to the desiccation; it was suspended by bands in order to
avoid deforming it, and to let it drain: care was taken to elevate
the walls of the cavities with new stoupes, when they appeared to
be deformed; the eyelids and the lips were kept closed with English
taffeta. When the desiccation was completed, artificial eyes were put
in, some features of the face were changed, and particularly the upper
lip. A skilful artist modelled them in wax imitating the bust, which
served him as a model; the skin being observed of a gray colour, it was
coloured with paint; the hair, perfectly preserved, was very natural;
finally, this infant, clothed in its ordinary dress, and enclosed in a
glass case, presents a perfect resemblance, and causes an extraordinary
illusion.
_Remarks on these three observations._--Let us first remark that the
substitution of this process for all those that had previously been
employed, is a great progress. Indeed, in place of a multitude of
drugs, endowed with properties either opposite or unknown, a single
substance, studied with care, and of determined properties, is placed
in contact with the tissues, which become modified according to the
wishes of the embalmer. A charlatanism thus becomes a scientific
operation, since a method which preserves bodies, better or worse,
takes the place of others, which, far from preserving from corruption,
often accelerates it. Nevertheless, we must say, that embalming with
sublimate is still far from perfection, and, not to speak here of
the inconvenience resulting from the three cited observations, it
will be observed that the incisions and mutilations exist still in
this process; that they are necessary to it, since, in spite of the
_wishes of the family_, Professor Beclard was obliged to multiply
them, in order to arrest the progress of decomposition. Many months
are requisite for the perfect completion of the work, which renders
it impossible to recur to it under many circumstances. The action of
the sublimate, which combines with the gelatine, and gives rise to an
imputrescible compound, protected from the ravages of insects, deforms
the organs to such a degree, however, that the colour and general
aspect of the body are changed. This deformation is so great in the
third observation, that it was necessary to reform several organs: _the
upper lip was so damaged, that a skilful artist was obliged to reform
it in wax, as well as several other features of the face, in imitating
the bust, which served as a model; the skin being of a gray colour, it
was coloured with paint,_ &c.
These imperfections would of course be of less importance in the
preparation of anatomical parts; but, to preserve the body of a person
who was dear to us, they are serious, and leave a painful impression.
But to return to our exposition.
_Fourth fact, (D.) Proces-verbal of the embalming of the body of Louis
XVIII., King of France._
Extract from the proces-verbaux of the opening and embalming of the
late King Louis XVIII.--(_General Repertory of Anatomy, Physiology,
and Pathology, Vol. 8, p. 36, in 4to., 1829._)
_Proces-verbal of the embalming_, p. 40.
This day, 17th September, 1824, immediately after the opening of the
body of the late King Louis XVIII., and conformably to the instructions
given us by M., the Marquis de Breze, grand master of the ceremonies
of France, we, the undersigned, proceeded to the embalming, after the
following manner:
1st. The heart of the late king, after having been washed and macerated
for four or five hours in an alcoholic solution of the deuto-chloride
of mercury or corrosive sublimate, and having been filled and
surrounded with choice aromatics, was enclosed in a leaden box, bearing
an inscription indicative of the precious object which it contained.
2d. The viscera of the three great cavities of the body, after having
been incised, washed, and macerated six hours in the above-named
solution, were penetrated, filled, and surrounded with aromatics, and
enclosed in a leaden barrel, bearing an inscription indicative of the
parts it contained.
3d. The totality of the surface of the body, and the surfaces of
the great cavities, were successively washed with a solution of the
chloride of the oxide of sodium, and with the alcoholic solution of
the deuto-chloride of mercury.
4th. The fleshy parts, as well of the trunk as of the limbs, were
extensively and deeply incised, and afterwards washed with the above
named solutions.
5th. The surfaces of the body, of the cavities, and of the incisions,
were supplied with several applications of spirit varnish.
6th. All the cavities were filled with powders, formed of various
species of aromatics and resins.
7th. These cavities were closed by bringing their borders together,
sustained by numerous sutures.
8th. The limbs, the pelvis, the abdomen, the chest, the neck, and the
head, were successively surrounded with bandages, methodically applied.
9th. The whole surface of the body thus enveloped, was covered with
many layers of varnish.
10th. Upon this varnish were applied bandages of gum diachilon.
11th. Over the bandages of diachilon, other bandages of varnished
taffeta were applied.
12th. Finally, a last layer of bandages was applied over the varnished
taffeta.
13th. The embalming terminated, the head of the late king was covered
with a cap, his body with a chemise, his arms and breast with a vest,
with sleeves made of white silk; the whole with a sheet of batiste.
It was in this state that the body of the king was returned to M.
Breze, to be deposited in the coffin which was to enclose his mortal
remains at Saint Dennis.
Signed, Portal, Alibert, Dupuytren, Fabre, Distel, Thevenot, Portal,
(for Ribes,) Auvity, Breschet, Mura, Moreau, Bardenat,
Vesque, Dalmas, Delagenerraye.
Here the process followed, although analogous in many respects to the
preceding, differs from them, however, in the addition of numerous
drugs, and in the rapidity of the preparation; the following nearly, in
all respects, the same, will furnish matter for reflection.
_Fifth and last fact, (E.) Notice of the process of embalming, adopted
for the body of L. D. C. D._
Before exposing the details of this embalming, we ought to remark, that
various reasons compelled us to modify, in different points, the plan
which we had traced out for ourselves, after reading those authors who
have written on this subject; thus, the family had earnestly desired
that no part of the body should be abstracted, wishing that the coffin
should contain the entire remains of L. D. C. D., their relation.
On the other hand, it was necessary to preserve his features and
physiognomy, in order that his body might be recognised on its arrival
to his family, who inhabit England. Finally, that which, above all,
prevented us pursuing a surer and more rational mode of operation, was
the particular circumstances of the case, allowing us only one sitting
to accomplish the embalming.
However this be, we shall now describe the process which was followed,
leaving for another article, which will appear immediately, the
modifications that may be introduced to diminish the difficulty and
expense, and, if possible, render the result more certain.
1. _Necroscopy._--The process to be followed even in this early stage
of the operation, is not a matter of indifference; all the external
parts having to retain their natural form, great care was necessary in
abstracting the viscera.
In order to secure this end, without, at the same time neglecting the
examination of the organs, the following plan was adopted:
_a._ An incision, commencing at the symphysis of the chin, following
the mesial line divided all the integuments and muscles down to the
symphysis pubis.
_b._ The sternum sawn through the middle permitted the hand to be
introduced into the cavity without destroying any part of the thoracic
walls.
_c._ All the organs, from the tongue to the bladder and rectum,
carefully detached, were withdrawn through this opening. (The result
of the necroscopy was published in the third part of the _Bulletin
Clinique_, p. 79.)
_d._ The eyes were extracted with precaution.
_e._ The integuments of the head were divided transversely, from one
mastoid apophysis to the other, and turned down before and behind to
the extent of three inches; it was in this space, where, by the aid of
two sections by the saw, one vertical, the other horizontal from behind
forwards, we were enabled to raise a segment of the cranium which
allowed of the extraction of the brain, the medulla oblongata being
cut off as low down as possible.
2. _Desiccation of the corpse._--This first operation over, the corpse
was, as much as possible, disembarrassed of the fluids which it
contained, whether in the great cavities, or in the cephalo-rachidien
canal. Then, by the aid of precious aromatics, and absorbing powders,
frequently renewed, the tissues were divested of their humidity.
3. _Maceration of the viscera._--After the examination of these, they
were freely washed in a saline solution, and then macerated for two
hours in a concentrated solution of alum, hydrochlorate of soda, and
chloride of sodium, (Gannal’s liquor,) and finally, they were submitted
for several hours more to the action of a concentrated solution of the
deuto-chloride of mercury.
4. _Maceration of the corpse._--All the parts having been conveniently
detached, alcoholic injections were made into the vessels of the limbs,
and into the rachidien canal; and immediately after each of these
partial injections, others were made, consisting of the deuto-chloride
of mercury, which were retained in the arteries by ligature, and in the
canal by a cork. Similar injections were also used for various regions
which are abundantly supplied with cellular tissue.
The members and the trunk, both internally and externally, were
sprinkled with a concentrated alcoholic solution of the deuto-chloride
of mercury, and enveloped for several hours with stoupes and compresses
steeped in this liquid. Finally, in order that no part should be
deprived of the conservative action of the corrosive sublimate, the
mouth, the nasal fossæ, the orbits, and the auditory passages, were
filled with little bags of this substance in powder; and by means of
profound and numerous incisions, the same was introduced in the muscles
of the limbs and back, &c. (These incisions, narrow at the surface,
extended deeply, and in various directions in the subjacent tissues.)
5. All the viscera were replaced in the great cavities formed by the
union of the thorax and abdomen.
This part of the operation was made with extreme minuteness; the organs
cut into pieces about the size of the fist, were separately dried in
balsamic powders, then supplied abundantly with chloride of lime,
and surrounded with stoupes steeped in the alcoholic solution of the
sublimate; each package, thus constituted, was invested in two plates
of lead, and placed in the cavity of the thorax; aromatic powders,
chloride of lime, and stoupes, steeped in the sublimate, separated the
different layers.
The heart, (for the satisfaction of the relatives,) was left entire,
and replaced in its natural position, after having been subjected to
the same preparations. The cranium was filled with the same substances
employed for the preservation of each organ.
6. The segment raised on a level with the lambdoidal suture, the
integuments are to be united by methodical suture, and the same is to
be done for the abdomen and thorax.
The seam on the scalp was not visible, because it was covered by the
hair, with which the head was yet abundantly covered. The trunk was
not deformed.
7. _Application of the bandages._--Previously to applying the bandages,
a coat of varnish is given to the whole body, with the exception of the
face, and immediately upon this varnish are placed layers of lead; it
is then only, that methodical bandages are made to cover all the parts,
from the fingers and toes to the head; each turn of bandage was fixed
by a point of suture, then covered again with another layer of varnish,
with new plates of lead, and finally, with a new bandage applied with
the same care as the first.
The face, until now remaining free, was submitted to the same
applications, but so arranged that it could be uncovered at any time,
without disturbing the rest of the bandages.
The body was then covered with a cloth, surrounded with a mantel of
satin, and deposited in a leaden coffin: it was left exposed to the air
for _more than twenty-four hours, without exhaling any other odour than
that of the aromatics employed_.
The operation which had commenced at ten o’clock in the morning, was
not terminated until after two in the morning.
The operation was very painful on account of the gas, particularly
the chlorine, which was freely exhaled towards the latter part of the
process, fatiguing the assistants, who were all tormented with a very
violent irritating cough.
Such are the details of this embalming, which had been announced as
constituting the perfection of the interesting necropsy described in
one of the late numbers of the _Bulletin Clinique_.
A. Loreau,
E. Chanut.
What strange naivete on the part of the embalmer! he had just stated
that the operation was very painful on account of the gas, particularly
of the chlorine, which was freely exhaled during the latter part of
the process, very much fatiguing the assistants. Ought you not to have
anticipated this, you who were charged with such preparations? Ought
you not to have known even the inutility of such an incoherent mixture
of substances?
It is not excusable, indeed, to be ignorant that the chloride of lime,
(_chloride of the oxide of calcium_,) mixed with the deuto-chloride
of mercury, produces, with the disengagement of chlorine, two new
products, first, the chloride of calcium, (_muriate of lime_,) and the
deutoxide of mercury, (_red precipitate_,) an insoluble substance, to
which no one has ever attributed conservative properties. Upon what
principle, further, upon what positive knowledge are we authorized
to make so frequent use of the chloride of lime in embalming? No
scientific data justifies this practice. Is it because it possesses
disinfecting properties? But this is the very reason why it should
be rejected, for in what manner does it act upon putrid miasmata?
Is it not by decomposing them? No one doubts this, excepting always
the embalmers; who are probably also ignorant that it possesses in
the highest degree the property of decomposing animal and vegetable
matter. I have proved in the course of my researches, that _a fresh
corpse, injected with one of the chlorides of the oxide of sodium,
calcium, potassium, is in a complete state of dissolution, at the end
of forty-eight hours_.
These researches, which I have pushed in various directions, have
weighed hardest upon the substance which has been extolled as
excellent, and as very superior to any thing used by the ancients in
embalming: I applied myself to establish, as far as practicable, the
precise degree of confidence that the deuto-chloride of mercury merited
under these circumstances. It is very true that it preserves animal
matter plunged into a solution of it; but to what degree, and under
what rules? The following is a brief exposition:
1. Coarse anatomical pieces, (a preparation of the muscles of the arm,
for example,) plunged into and maintained in a saturated solution of
the deuto-chloride of mercury, and then dried, are protected from
corruption, but they become brown, stiff, and so deformed as scarcely
to be recognized.
2. The injection of this liquid is not sufficient to arrest the
progress of decomposition--this salt not being sufficiently soluble.
3. The simple immersion of a corpse in it hardens the skin, but the muscles and all the viscera are decomposed. |
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