CHAPTER VIII.Embalming by Arterial Injection.
If circumstances render it desirable that the body shall be fully embalmed and preserved for an indefinite length of time, the Arterial Circulation should be filled with the Excelsior Preservative.
It is essential that you should have a thorough knowledge of all of the details of the methods used for the preservation of the dead by partial embalming or cavity injection as it is sometimes called, and to have some experience in the care of the dead by the processes already described, or at least to fully understand them, as it is necessary for the very best results from Arterial injection that theentire processof preserving and partial embalming of a body should be carefully and faithfully performed, according to previous instructions, as it is equally as necessary as the injecting of the Arterial Circulation, andno part or portionof the previous instructions for preserving should ever be omitted in a case of full embalming.
You can very easily learn from any physician where to find the arteries, how to distinguish themfrom the veins and nerves, and how to take them up and inject them, and it will be only necessary for you to have one ocular demonstration by your family physician how the operation is performed which with the minute directions I will now give you, will be sufficient, in fact, quite a large number of our customers who are now proficient in the art, have become so without any teaching other than that they have gained by reading and studying over carefully my directions, and practicing, whenever there were opportunities, and if you will procure the proper instruments and practice by yourself alone (and you will find many opportunities to practice upon subjects not requiring full embalming) you can acquire the necessary skill without personal instructions from any one.
Either of the three great arteries, viz: The Carotid, Femoral or Brachial may be selected for the operation, as it makes no difference in its effectiveness, all of the arteries of the body inosculating or intercommunicating with each other as well as being connected at the heart as a central point.
The arteries after death are flattened or collapsed, which is due to the fact that the blood is congealed in the veins, leaving the arteries empty and pale. Every artery has its corresponding vein by its side from which it is easily distinguished, as the veins are of a bluish color, while the arteries are of a creamish white. There is usually a nerve in close proximity to the artery, and although nearly of the same color, it may be distinguished by its being rounder and not being hollow like the artery. Taken between thethumb and finger the artery has the feeling of a hollow tube, while the nerve feels more solid to the touch being filled with a fibrous substance, something of the consistency of marrow.
The Carotid or great Artery of the neck (see illustration) being the largest one of the whole body, is used for the injection by some Embalmers, but in many cases it is necessary to avoid having the marks of the incision show, as would be the case with children dressed low in the neck. The Femoral, or main artery of the thigh (see illustration) is also objectionable from the necessary exposure while performing the operation, and as the Arterial Circulation can be filled equally as well from the Brachial or large artery of the arm, I would advise its selection, and as a rule, the confining of your practice to that location, as it is best to be expert in performing the operation by the one method rather than to be awkward from lack of sufficient practice from trying too many ways unless your opportunities for practicing are greater than is ordinarily the case.
[Fleuron]