Secrets of the Unknown

Behind the Formaldehyde Curtain (1998) written by Jessica Mitford

Mitford takes us through the processes of embalming after death. Although this process may be hard to stomach for most. The embalming process is extraordinary and very detailed. The purpose is to present the family with a memorable image of their family member.

Mitford reveals step by step the curiosity of most, the operations of embalming.  In the early days of embalming according to Mitford, it was mandatory that family was to stay by the side of the deceased to witness the embalming process. Today by law families are excluded from this process(73).

Embalming, in most modern cultures, is the art and science of temporarily preserving human remains to forestall decomposition and to make them suitable for public display at a funeral. The three goals of embalming are thus sanitization, presentation and preservation (or restoration) of a corpse to achieve this effect. Embalming has a very long and cross-cultural history, with many cultures giving the embalming processes a greater religious meaning (wikipedia)

Mitford introduces, Mr. Jones the deceased is being prepared to be laid to rest, to bid his final farewell to his family. Now at the hands of skilled practitioner, time is not on his side. The embalming process is to be done in a timely manner. The earlier this is done the better, for every hour that passes between death and the embalming will add to the problems and complications of the process. This process has removed the fears of most in early years of a live burial. The blood is drained through the veins and embalming fluid pumped in through the arteries. Lyf-lyk tint is applied to give the appearance of natural skin texture. About three to six gallons of a dyed and perfumed solution of formaldehyde, glycerin, borax, phenol, alcohol, and water is soon circulating through Mr. Jones veins. The embalming process has began.(75) Mr. Jones face is heavily creamed to protect the skin from burns which may be caused by leakage of the chemicals, then he is covered and left untouched for a while.

It is clear in just seconds of reading this that Mitford wants to show the solitude of this process. Her purpose is to give readers an idea of the careful preparations of the death.  She doesn’t make this process seem creepy but paints a picture of how valuable life is after death. Although the topics of death, embalming are not the most entertaining or most welcoming read. I thought Mitford tone was very carefully thought out to convey to the audience this sympathies of death.