Embalming as a practice began in ancient Egypt as early as 6000 BCE, where it was developed primarily for religious reasons and to preserve the body for the afterlife. The Egyptians used intricate mummification techniques that involved removing internal organs, treating the body with natron (a kind of salt), and wrapping it in linen, preserving bodies for thousands of years.
Modern embalming by arterial injection as a mortuary practice started in Europe, particularly in England, in the 18th century. The method was developed based on the 17th-century work of William Harvey and later refined by scientists like Frederik Ruysch and anatomists such as William Hunter, who reported the techniques of arterial and cavity embalming for preserving bodies for burial.
In the United States, embalming became widely used during the Civil War (1861-1865) to preserve soldiers' bodies for transport and viewing. Dr. Thomas Holmes, known as the "Father of American Embalming," embalmed many Union soldiers, and the practice grew in demand afterward.
In summary:
- Ancient embalming began around 6000 BCE in Egypt.
- Modern arterial embalming began in 18th century England.
- Embalming became common in the US during the Civil War in the mid-19th century.
