CHAPTER II.
Directions for the Care of Ordinary Cases.
To handle and preserve an ordinary case in warm weather, when the body is only to be kept one or two days, the undertaker will find my process very much easier than any of the old methods (in fact not half the work). In a case of this kind (as the ice-box or icing is done away with or omitted), all the undertaker has to do is to lay the body out, with the head from ten to twelve inches higher than the feet (the higher the head the better), and inject with the Syringe, using the large bent tube, say one-half of a pint of the Preservative into the nose or mouth, which will immediately run down the throat into the lungs and stomach, and prevent any fermentation or decay of any substance that may be in them. The body should be raised up in the sitting posture if there is any difficulty in injecting down the throat.
Then wet a large cloth (a large towel is the best,) with the Preservative and lay it over the chest and abdomen. This should be kept wet with the Preservative from four to eight hours, the longer the better; also wet cloths with the Preservative and lay over the face and hands. Be particular to press the cloth down well around the eyes, ears and neck. This effectually prevents any discoloration, or if it has already turned dark, the complexion will be restored as white as in life.
These cloths should also be kept wet with the Preservative from four to six hours, and even longer in some cases; this is all very quickly done, and easy to do by any one after they once understand it.
Now leave the body in this position on the inclined board for about 18 to 24 hours, when it can be dressed and placed in the casket. The cloths can now be removed from the face during the day, but should be replaced during the night and be kept wet with the Preservative, as a certain preventative against discoloration.
The undertaker can leave orders with the friends to wet these cloths and lay them over the face at night, thus saving himself the trouble of going back to look after it.
Remember, it is always best to let the body lie in the inclined position about 24 hours before placing it in the casket, and if kept in the casket over night the foot end of the casket should be lowered during the night-time in order that the inclined position of the body may be retained.
CHAPTER III.
Directions to Observe in a More Obstinate Case.
When the body is to be kept longer, it is best to first empty the stomach of whatever mucous or other substance can be got out of it. This is done easiest by turning the body onto its side, with the head drooping a little over the side of the bed or couch or whatever the body may be lying upon, and by pressing with your hand upon the stomach a portion of its contents will run out.