In Behind the Formaldehyde Curtain, Jessica Mitford explains the ins and outs of the embalming procedure. She makes up an imaginary Mr. Jones as the person that is getting embalmed. She describes the very complicated procedure of embalming by describing the types of fillers instruments that are used.
She describes how people used to stay by the embalmer’s side to watch the procedure and how today we are persuaded to avoid witnessing this procedure. She first explains the dermasurgeon’s tools. He or she will use scalpels, scissors, clamps, augers, bowls, basins, needles, pumps, tubes, and forceps. He or she then uses their large array of pastes, oils, powders, creams, fluids, and sprays to soften tissue and to restore moisture. For the less fortunate Mr. Jones subjects, plaster will be used to replace any missing limbs. A slight incision is made to remove the blood. Once that step is done, the embalming fluid is chosen. Then the skin tone must be applied. These come in tints such as Regular Cosmetic Tint, Suntan, and Special Cosmetic Tint. Gallons of solution of formaldehyde are then put into Mr. Jones body. His mouth is sewn shut with a needle and his teeth are coated with colorless nail polish. If Mr. Jones’ head had been missing, they would have trimmed the edges and sewn the head on with wires and sutures. They remove tissue from swollen parts of the body. Once that is all done, Mr. Jones is washed, shaved, and given a manicure. Once he is dressed, he is positioned at a slight angle in the casket.
This passage was very disturbing. I don’t think there is any reason the embalmer’s wouldn’t want people to watch the procedure. I just believe that people do not want to witness it. I certainly would not. I learned a lot of behind the scenes information in this passage. It has opened my eyes about the embalming process and Jessica Mitford has definitely informed me about what’s behind the formaldehyde curtain.
