Human body preservation - old and new techniques

Abstract

This review deals with the art of (anatomical) embalming. The first part contains a brief historical review of the history of embalming, starting with ancient cultures such as the Egyptians and the lesser known Chinchorro culture, then going down the centuries and describing the anatomical techniques developed over the last two centuries. The second part deals in detail with the chemicals used for embalming purposes. The third part deals with several approaches to evaluating embalming methods, their suitability for biomechanical testing, antimicrobial properties, histological appearance, and usability. The fourth and final part analyze the European Biocidal Products Directive (98/8/EC) in the light of embalming.

Keywords: anatomy/education; anatomy/history; anatomy/legislation and jurisprudence; anatomy/methods; anatomy/supply and distribution; education; embalming/education; embalming/history; embalming/legislation and jurisprudence; embalming/methods; embalming/standards; embalming/supply and distribution; medical/supply and distribution.

Figure 1

Aldehydes. The images of the molecules were created with PubChem3D Viewer (v2.0;Bolton et al. 2011), data were derived from PubChem Compound (Bolton et al. 2008).

Figure 2

Alcohols. The images of the molecules were created with PubChem3D Viewer (v2.0;Bolton et al. 2011), data were derived from PubChem Compound (Bolton et al. 2008).

Figure 3

Polyols. The images of the molecules were created with PubChem3D Viewer (v2.0;Bolton et al. 2011), data were derived from PubChem Compound (Bolton et al. 2008).

Figure 4

Aromatic substances. The images of the molecules were created with PubChem3D Viewer (v2.0;Bolton et al. 2011), data were derived from PubChem Compound (Bolton et al. 2008).

Figure 5

Other substances. The images of the molecules were created with PubChem3D Viewer (v2.0;Bolton et al. 2011), data were derived from PubChem Compound (Bolton et al. 2008).