Embalming

Embalming, artificial process by which a corpse is prevented, at least temporarily, from decomposing. Embalming first appeared in ancient Egypt. Modern embalming began after William Harvey's discovery of the blood circulation in 1628. Embalming fluid is injected into an artery (arterial fluid) while blood is drained from a vein; then a stronger fluid (cavity fluid) is injected into the body's orifices and hollow organs. The most commonly used embalming fluid is formaldehyde.