ON A METHOD 
OF 
EMBALMING THE DEAD, 
BY THE USE OF 
THYMOL. 
By Dr. WYWODZOFF, 
OF ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA. 
PHILADELPHIA: 
PRINTED FOR THE RUSSIAN COMMISSION. 
1876. ON A METHOD 
OF 
EMBALMING THE DEAD, 
THE USE OF 
THYMOL. 
By Dr. WYWODZOFF, 
OF ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA. 
PHILADELPHIA: 
PRINTED FOR THE RUSSIAN COMMISSION. 
1876. CAMPBELL PRESS PRINT, CENTENNIAL GROUNDS. EMBALMING THE DEAD. 
On a Method op Embalming of the Dead, by the use of 
Thymol. By Dr. Wywodzoff, of St. Petersburg, Russia. 
DURING the present year I published a history of embalming as 
practised in ancient and modern times, including an account of my 
own experiments in the art, with a description of the material used 
and the apparatus employed for embalming the dead. 
The following pages are a synopsis of that part of the work which 
relates to some of my own experiments, and is designed to explain the 
apparatus, and material used. 
Embalming the dead was largely practised anmong the ancient 
Egyptians, as a religious rite. At the present time embalming is but 
little resorted to, and only for the purpose of preserving the bodies of 
eminent men, or the temporary preservation of bodies for anatomical 
purposes. 
The process of embalming, as performed by the ancients, and also as 
performed by moderns, is in many respects a failure. In order that it 
may become practicable at the present day the following requisites are 
necessary, viz.: 1st. That the body shall be preserved in a soft, flexible 
condition, at least for the period of three months. 2d. The tissues 
should not be changed in color. 3d. The material used should be 
neither injurious to the health, nor spoil the instruments employed in 
the operation. 4th. The material used must either be free from odor, 
or it must have an agreeable odor. 5th. The material must be cheap. 
It has been discovered in modern times that salicylic acid and thymol 
possess the above mentioned properties. The first has no odor what- 
ever ; the last has a pleasant odor. 
Thymol was discovered by Gerard. The only history we have of 
thymol is contained in articles published during the past six years. 
Packe become convinced that thymol could be used in all cases where 
carbolic acid was used. Peshabodoff has described the influence of 
thymol upon certain animal ferments. Sulemo-Sumoilo determined 
the action of thymol upon milk and other animal ferments. Levin 4 
EMBALMING OF THE DEAD 
described thymol as “ anticepticum” and “antifermentioum.” Thymol, 
or acidum thymicum, is obtained from ol. Thymo. It presents camphor- 
like crystals, possessing an aromatic odor, and, in concentrated solution, 
has a strong, pungent taste. The formula is C10H14O=(C10H13)HO. 
It melts at 440° R., boils at 200° R., is soluble in alcohol, ether, fatty 
oils, and in 333 pts. of water. The opinion of the above-mentioned 
authors is that thymol, like carbolic acid, combines with animal tissues, 
preserving them from decay by retarding fermentation. 
Levin’s experiments showed that milk mixed with thymol decom- 
poses from five to twenty days later than milk diluted with water. 
Milk standing in an open vessel generally decays in from ten to twelve 
days. That with which thymol has been mixed can be kept in perfect 
condition for five weeks. 
Experiments were also performed with egg albumen. Filtered white 
of an egg decays after standing three to four days; but when mixed 
with thymol, it does not show the slightest sign of decomposition even 
after eleven weeks. 
The above mentioned authors also stated that thymol has the pro- 
perty of deodorising. Levin proved that the most offensive pus mixed 
with thymol loses its repugnant odor. 
Experiments also showed that thymol taken internally is harmless in 
its action, and its medicinal value depends upon its property of arrest- 
ing pernicious fermentation of the stomach. 
The substance possessing such remarkable antiseptic properties can 
be procured at a moderate price. One pound of thymol costs in Russia, 
nine roubles and ninety kopeks (seven dollars and twenty-five cents). 
This, however, is twelve times the cost of carbolic acid; but the very 
small quantity of thymol used to obtain the same effect makes it, after 
all, a cheaper material, as a disinfectant or antiseptic. 
In using thymol for the purpose of embalming, I dissolved it in dif- 
ferent proportions in alcohol, in glycerine, in glycerine and water ; also 
in water, adding to the solution gum-arabic. These various prepara- 
tions I used as an antiseptic liquid for injecting separate organs, and 
also whole bodies. The results of these operations I give in subsequent 
pages, with a description of each experiment. But as a survey of these 
experiments depended as much upon the apparatus used for embalming 
as upon the liquid itself, I will first describe my injector. The appa- 
ratus consists of a glass jar, A, seventeen centim. in length, eleven centim. 
in diameter, having the capacity of four pounds (pints). This jar is 
hermetically closed by a brass cover, B, which is connected to a heavy 
brass stand, C, by six brass rods secured by nuts. Through the cover BY THE USE OF THYMOL. 
5 
passes a glass funnel, D, with a stop-cock for passing the liquid into the 
jar. A brass tube, E, with a cock, permits the exit of the air, when the 
fluid is poured into the jar; an air-pump, F, for the condensation of 
air, has a piston with a spiral spring. Through the barrel of the pump, 
besides the channel for the passage of the air, there is also a glass tube, 
G, which arises from the bottom of the glass jar, and is continuous with 
the channel of the cylinder, which is bent at a right angle, and con- 
nected to the horizontal tube H. The horizontal tube H, at its termi- 
nation, affords an attachment to the rubber branch, K. The tube H, 
has also a stop-cock, L, for controlling the flow of the liquid, and 
a manometer, M, by which the pressure of the liquid is determined, 
and the flow regulated. The glass manometer is enclosed in a brass 6 
EMBALMING OF THE DEAD 
tube, which has divisions indicating the atmospheric pressure. The 
only part of the apparatus that remains to be described is the T-shaped 
canula N, which is designed for introduction into the artery, and to 
be connected with the rubber branch, K. 
The apparatus is brought into action in the following manner. All 
the stop-cocks D, E, L, are opened, and the jar is filled with the anti- 
septic fluid through the funnel D, while the air escapes through the 
tube E. The cocks are then closed, and the air-pump used. Under 
the pressure of the air, the liquid rises in the tube G, and passes into 
the horizontal tube H. One part of the liquid passes into the mano- 
meter, and rises to one of the divisions, according to the amount of 
pressure exerted ; the other-part of the liquid (the cock L, being open) 
passes into the rubber branch, K, Avhich at the time of injection is con- 
nected to the T-shaped canula, N. 
It is evident from the above description, that the higher the liquid 
arises in the manometer the greater will be the force and volume of 
liquid ejected. The flow of the liquid can be increased or diminished at 
pleasure by turning the stop-cock L. But if it should be necessary to 
keep the column of the liquid in the manometer at a certain hight, in 
order that the flow of the liquid may be regular, the pumps must be 
constantly used. 
From the description given it is evident that this apparatus is simple, 
strong, and cheap. 
In making my experiments I gave particular attention to the follow- 
ing questions: 1st. Is it sufficient to introduce the canula into one 
carotid, as was commonly practiced by Ganna, Dupres, Sugnet, and 
others; or it is necessary to introduce it into both carotids ? 2d. Is it 
necessary to introduce the T-shaped canula, or will an ordinary tube 
answer as well? 3d. Is it necessary to drive out the blood from the 
veins, or not ? 4th. What quantity of the fluid is necessary for a com- 
plete injection ? 
September 4, 1875,1 injected a right arm which had been amputated 
at the shoulder, with the following solution: 
R. Thymolis, two scruples. 
Glycerine, lb. iv. 
Aq. lb. ij. 
The weight of the arm after the injection was 2700 grammes. After a 
month, 2660 grammes. On the 4th of November, (two months after 
the injection was made), I demonstrated the arm before the Medical 
Society of St. Petersburg, and it was acknowleged by all the present 
members that it did not differ in external appearance from the arm of BY TIIE USE OF THYMOL. 
7 
a living man. The tissues had not changed in color, were normally 
soft, flexible, and had the jfleasant odor of thymol. After the fourth 
month the arm was not changed in appearance, only diminished in 
weight 60 grammes. 
This experiment proved, 1st, that thymol is a true antiseptic. 2d. 
That a mixture of glycerine and water is superior to glycerine and 
alcohol, because it does not evaporate so quickly, and is equally pre- 
servative. 
September 5, 1875, I injected the body of an infant, three months 
old. Its weight was 3570 grammes; its length 58 centm.; its chest 
measure, 30 ctm ; circumference of the head, 37 centm. The injection 
was made by both carotids, with the following solution: 
R. Thymolis, two scruples. 
Glycerine, lb. iv. 
Aq. lb. ij. 
The T-shaped canula used in this injection was introduced into the 
common carotid at that point where it divides into the internal and ex- 
ternal carotids. At the same time I made an incision in the internal 
jugular veins, and proceeded to inject the antiseptic fluid. The weight 
of the body after the injection was 5300 grammes. This experiment 
proved to me that the quantity of fluid necessary for the injection of a 
body is equal to the half of the weight of the body. 
For the first month or so after this injection, the skin retained its 
original color and the muscles and joints were in their soft and flexible 
condition. In this condition the body was presented before the Medical 
Society of St. Petersburg. Four months later the body was found in 
the same condition, except that it had lost in weight—the weight now 
being 5100 grammes—a decrease of 200 grammes. This experiment 
showed that thymol could be used for preserving a whole body as well 
as separate organs. 
November 4th, of the same year, I injected the right foot of an 
infant, four months old, using the same solution as in the other experi- 
ments. The injection was made by the femoral artery. When all the 
liquid had been injected, the canulas were left in the artery and vein, 
and the rubber branches tied with ligatures. In this condition it was 
left for one month, and the rubber branch was then removed, and fluid 
allowed to escape for forty-eight hours from the limb. An injection 
with a syringe and with ordinary red material was made. On dissecting 
some muscles and exposing to view main arteries and nerves, I found 
the muscles and nerves in a perfect condition, very much resembling 
the preparations of Laskovsky and Brusso, which were exhibited at the 8 
EMBALMING OF THE DEAD 
Paris Exposition in 1867. This preparation, which is in my possession, 
was found after several months in most desirable condition. 
June 12, 1875, I injected the kidney of a calf with solution— 
R. Acidi Salicylici, drachm (B.) 
Glycerine (hot), lb. j. 
I kept this kidney in my room in an open jar (the temperature of 
the room -j- 14°R.) for seven months. At the beginning of the third 
month it had diminished in size, and the liquid was escaping through 
the capsule, and the whole surface was covered with mould. At present 
it is very much diminished in size, the whole surface is covered with a 
thick layer of mould, resembling white down. When cut, it shows dark 
red color, with fatty gloss. I placed a piece of the kidney in alcohol 
for microscopical dissections. Next day I noticed that the piece 
became white, but all elementary tissues could be easily detected 
under the microscope. The same experiment was performed with the 
solution of thymol in glycerine. In this case the kidney was not 
covered with mould; and even after seven months, the pleasant odor 
of thymol could be detected. The elementary tissues were seen as well 
as in the first case. 
23d of October, 1875, I injected the livers of two children, one, (a) 
with the solution of 
R Ac. salicylici, 
Boracis venet. aa two drachms. 
Gumm. Arab, one ounce. 
In Aq. com. ounce xj. 
The other (h) with solution of 
Thymolis, gr, rj. 
Gumm. Arab, one ounce. 
In Aq. ounce xj. 
Each liver was injected under very low pressure, through the hepatic 
artery. The rest of the blood vessels I tied with ligatures. After the 
injection both livers presented a pale pink color. I kept them in a 
warm room, at -}- 14° R. In this case I used neither glycerine nor 
alcohol, on account of their antiseptic properties. On the contrary, I 
added gum arabic, a substance which hastens fermentation when in 
contact with organic tissues. The liver was taken for this experiment 
as an organ which, in contact with air, decomposes very soon. All 
this was done by me to prove the antiseptic property of Acid. Salicylici 
in comparison with Thymolis. Two weeks after the experiment 
(No. 4) the liver (a) looked dusky, and was diminished in size: the 
other liver (5) kept its previous color, and also was diminished in size. BY THE USE OF TIIYMOL. 
9 
8ix weeks later the liver (a) was very much darkened, and had now 
diminished to one-half of its original size, and was covered with mould; 
had no odor; its consistency appeared soft. The liver (6) preserved its 
pink color; its surface remained free from mould, had same consistency 
as liver (a). At the close of the following four months liver (a) was 
entirely covered with mould; liver (b) had darkened a little, but no 
mould was seen. Both livers were diminished in size. When cut, the 
parenchyma was found in good condition; only at the surface liver (a) 
was darker than liver (b). 
This experiment shows that Thymol is to he preferred to Salicylic 
Acid. We also learn from these experiments that preparations inject- 
ed with Salicylic Acid were covered with mould, while those injected 
with Thymol had nothing of the kind. Like experiments were per- 
formed by me with spleens, kidneys, lungs, etc., giving always the 
same results. This is the reason why I think that Salicylic Acid could 
be used as an antiseptic only when the organ is immersed in the solu- 
tion, so that all the parts come in contact with it. Thymol, like Car- 
bolic Acid, soon evaporates, so that even parts not injected may be 
brought in contact with it. 
To be more certain, I made the following experiment: 
22d of November, of the same year, the livers of two children were 
injected—liver (a) with a solution of Salicylic Acid in water, 1:700: 
liver (b) with solution of Thymol, in water, 1:333. The injection was 
made in the same way as before. Each liver was immersed in a jar 
containing the solution of material injected, covered with paper, and 
placed in a room at -j- 14°R. Two weeks later I took the livers out of 
the solution. Both were in the same condition: the only difference 
was, one had no odor whatever; the other the odor of Thymol. I 
kept both livers in the open air in my room during two weeks. After 
that time I noticed that both were a little dried; the upper surface of 
the liver (a) was covered with a thin mould; the surface which was 
in contact with the bottom of the jar had only mould in three points; 
the liver (b) had no mould whatever. 
This experiment convinced me that my opinion regarding the use of 
acids, salieylici, and thymolis, was correct. My researches on this sub- 
ject lead me to the following conclusions: 
1st. Thymol, diluted with water and glycerine, 
(R Thymolis two scruples, 
Glycerine lb iv., 
Aq. lb ij.,) 
is the hest liquid which could be used for injection of a whole body, as 10 
well as separate organs. Like Carbolic acid, it evaporates, which ena- 
bles it to come in contact with the parts which begin to dry after the 
injection. 
2d. Salicylic Acid is also a good preservative, but only when it is in 
contact with all parts of the injected tissues. 
3d. The quantity of the liquid used must be half the weight of the 
body. 
4th. The success of the injection can be best attained when the cav- 
ities are not opened, the viscera left in, and unnecessary incisions 
avoided. 
5th. The complete injection of a body must be accomplished by 
slow filling of the blood-vessels; and this could be very readily done by 
the above-described apparatus, with the manometer. 
6th. For complete injection of a separate part of a body, it is neces- 
sary to put the cut end in boiling water, and then to cork the ossious 
canal. 
7th. One or more veins should be kept open until all the blood is 
driven out from the body. Then the veins must be tied with double 
ligatures, when the injected fluid begins to run over through the open- 
ings of the veins. 
8th. In embalming bodies of adults T-shaped canulas must be in- 
troduced, not only in both carotids, but also in one or both femoral 
arteries. 
9th. The wind-pipe should be opened and a cork placed, when during 
the injection the fluid will escape through the mouth. 
10th. Injection should be stopped only when the capillaries of the 
integument are filled, and when the manometer shows five atmospheric 
pressures. When under such pressure the capillaries of the integument 
are not quite filled, the injection should be continued through some 
other artery. 
11th. When injection of a body, or of a separate organ, is performed, 
this operation should be stopped even, in the first case at three atmos- 
pheric pressures; in the second when the manomeler shows two to 
three atmospheric pressures. 
EMBALMING OF THE DEAD.