Embalming
Embalming is a term used in the funeral world .
Meaning and origin of the term
“Embalming” in the narrower sense is understood today as a temporary preservation of corpses brought about artificially by humans through special processes , without the permanent preservation of the dead body being the goal from the outset. In contrast to this, mummification refers to the preservation of corpses, which was also brought about artificially through special processes, but is designed from the outset to be as long-term as possible.
The origin of the term "embalming" seems to derive from the old practice of treating the bodies of deceased people or animals with mixtures of resins and essential oils ( balms ). The use of balsam for corpses was widespread in ancient times in the Orient ; Among other things, the anointing of the dead is also mentioned in the New Testament in connection with the burial of Jesus Christ . This happened for similar reasons, for which today's undertakers carry out hygienic care for the dead ; the transitions to thanatopraxia in the narrower sense are fluid.
Embalming as a synonym for artificial corpse preservation
In German , the terms "embalming", "mummification" and " mummification " are often incorrectly used synonymously , especially in journalism and colloquial language , and sometimes even as an expression for "any kind" of artificially induced corpse preservation. Although they are closely related thematically, such an equation of the terms cannot be made due to the differences in the respective underlying processes. The lay language use can therefore easily lead to misunderstandings in the question of which conservation method (s) has actually been used on a corpse in each individual case.
Embalming as a synonym for modern embalming
Modern Embalming is a technique for the temporary preservation of corpses, which is based on the use of formaldehyde-containing disinfecting solutions and the use of which is counted as part of thanatopraxis . It is mainly used where an open laying out of the deceased before the final burial is common, such as in the USA , Great Britain , Russia or Armenia . The procedure is also often used when transferring the deceased abroad. With modern embalming , the shelf life of the corpse is extended by replacing the blood with an anti-decay agent by means of pumps. A long-term preservation even after the burial, such as the mummification in ancient Egypt , is not aimed at. The final burial takes place either by burial or by cremation .
Embalming as a preliminary stage to mummification
In order to be able to achieve the long-term preservation of a dead body, the decay of the corpse that begins after death must first be delayed or prevented, in particular by treating the body with substances that are resistant to putrefaction . Only when this has been achieved can additional measures be taken to ensure that the corpse has a longer shelf life. An "embalming" or "embalming" carried out for this purpose thus represents a part of the mummification process. The art of long-term preservation of corpses, artificially brought about by special processes, was already practiced in ancient times by the Assyrians , Persians and Egyptians ; the details of their procedures are not known. According to Diodor's inaccurate description, the body cavities were emptied and filled with aromatic substances (such as asphalt ) and then the whole corpses were placed in solutions of nitrone and soda for a few months .
Embalming as an anatomical fixation
In biology and medicine , especially pathology , the artificial preservation of histological or anatomical specimens using embalming methods is also known as “ fixation ”. It is carried out in a lengthy preparation with ethanol , formaldehyde, glycerine and various other chemical additives. In individual cases, the fixatives used depend on the further use of the preparation.
See also
literature
- JN Gannal : Histoire des embaumements (2nd edition), Paris 1841.
- JN Gannal: Lettre aux médecins sur la question des embaumements . Paris 1845.
- August Mau : embalming . In: Paulys Realencyclopadie der classischen Antiquity Science (RE). Volume V, 2, Stuttgart 1905, Col. 2113 f.
- A. Faller: The development of the macroscopic-anatomical dissection art from Galen to modern times . Acta Anatomica Supplementum VII, Basel 1948.
- M. Racek: Those who did not become earth - the cultural history of conservative burials . Böhlau, 1985.
- M. Racek: Mumia viva - cultural history of human and animal preparation . ADEVA, 1990.
