embalming
Sign in to savethumb|Embalming was popularized in the United States during the American Civil War.|alt=Embalming surgeon at work on soldier's body
Article
18 sectionsContents
- History
- Modern methods
- Present day
- Jessica Mitford and the revisionist position
- Terms for embalmers
- Modern practices
- Grooming
- Clothing
- Chemicals
- Specialist embalming
- For anatomy education
- Religious practices
- Notable embalmings
- See also
- Notes
- References
- Further reading
- External links
thumb|Embalming was popularized in the United States during the American Civil War.|alt=Embalming surgeon at work on soldier's body
Embalming is the art and science of preserving human remains by treating them with embalming chemicals in modern times to forestall decomposition. This is usually done to make the deceased suitable for viewing as part of the funeral ceremony or keep them preserved for medical purposes in an anatomical laboratory. The three goals of embalming are sanitization, presentation, and preservation, with restoration being an important additional factor in some instances. Performed successfully, embalming can help preserve the body for many years. Embalming has a long, cross-cultural history, with many cultures giving the embalming processes religious meaning.