CHAPTER I.

OF EMBALMING IN GENERAL, p. 21--Tendency of bodies to decomposition--Variable, according to countries, species, and individuals--Fact reported by Ammien Marcellin--Consequences deducible from it, for the natives of hot countries--for temperate and cold countries--Facts observed by Maillet--Astonishing analogy observed in the caverns of Saint Michel, at Bordeaux--Various processes of embalming--With gum--With honey--With wax--The embalming of Alexander--Of Agesilas--Brine unknown--Fact of _Tulliola_, reported by Coelius Rodiginus--Another by Valateron--Embalming with aromatic and astringent substances--With resinous and bituminous substances--Empyricism of the moderns--Process of Ruysch, of Swammerdam--Note of Strader--Appreciation of these methods--Useful deductions to be drawn from them--Penicher thinks it impossible to embalm without emptying the large cavities--Fact in support of his opinion--My experiments to this effect on infants.