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 procès-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 Brèzè, 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.