Gannal’s process for the preservation of normal anatomy, pathological anatomy, and natural history, p. [197].—Difference between the processes of preservation offered to anatomists, and those practised for embalming: 1. Preservation of bodies for dissection—Table of my experiments in 1828—In 1831—Kindness of M. Professor Orfila—What formerly existed upon this matter—My point of departure proceeding from the practice of artists—Action of Acids—Salts—Aluminous salts—These possess in the highest degree the preservative property—Selection to be made among these salts—My first experiments—Satisfying results—Proved by commissions appointed by the Academy of Sciences, and the Academy of Medicine—Series of researches—Misreckoning—New experiments—Superiority of the acetate of alum—Facts—Chloride of alumine, its defects—Arsenic, and bad results—First report of the Academy of Sciences—First report of the Academy of Medicine—Definitive report of the Academy of Medicine—Reflections—Some good results obtained at first from a mixture of alum, nitrate of potash, and chloride of sodium—Not sustained above the 10° of centigrade—Bath—Light furnished by it—Data for new researches—Acetate of alumine excellent—Reason for renouncing its use for amphitheatres—Simple sulphate, its analysis—Demonstration of its superiority over acid sulphate—Various liquors of which it is the base—Black colour of the skin—Its cause—Report of the commission of the Institute—Experiments of MM. Serres, Dubreuil, Bourgery, Azoux, Velpeau, Amussat—My process applied to the dissecting rooms of Clamart: 2. Anatomical preparations—Those of pathology, and Natural history—Facts, proving a perfect preservation during many years—Composition of various preservative liquids—Usage—Example of the preservation of dry pieces by the simple sulphate—All my experiments first attempted on the fœtus—Circumstances the most unfavourable: 3. Embalming—There remains for me a series of experiments to perform, to enable me to practise embalming—Data to which I must confine myself—Have I attained my end?—Answer to this question by facts—Exhumation—First observation—Second observation.
Appendix, p. [253].
To Messrs. Members of the Academy of Sciences.
Gentlemen,—From the commencement of my researches upon the preservation of animal matters, you have encouraged me by extending your support to efforts which my own resources would not perhaps have enabled me to continue; in this path strewn with so many difficulties, and disgusts, I have endeavoured to show myself worthy of your high protection.
At a later period, when I was able to offer to physicians and naturalists methods of preservation superior to those previously known, you conferred upon me the prize founded by Monthyon. I have pursued my researches with the view of adapting my process to the art of embalming; the happy results which I have obtained have inspired me with the idea of comparing my mummies with those obtained by processes different from my own.
Finally, I have extended this parallel between my processes and those formerly applied, to preparations of healthy anatomy, to pathological anatomy, and to natural history.
My labour terminated, I have thought it my duty to dedicate to you a work the publication of which is due to the decision which your wisdom and justice have dictated.
Allow me, gentlemen, to consider this dedication as a new encouragement which you are willing to confer upon me, and trust in the respectful sentiments with which I have the honour to be, your very humble and very grateful servant,
Gannal.