Embalming syringe set, London, England, 1790-1820

Embalming syringe set, made by Laundy, St.Thomas's St., Southwark, London, English, 1790-1820

The embalming set consists of two brass syringes and accompanying accessories. It sits in a purple velvet lined wooden box. It was made between 1790 and 1820 by London-based surgical instrument makers, Laundy. Embalming syringes preserved the body by injecting chemicals such as arsenic or zinc chloride, normally via the arteries. This delayed inevitable decomposition of the body rather than halting it.

At this time, embalming preserved cadavers (bodies) for anatomical teaching. Today, embalming in some religious traditions preserves the body so it remains presentable during the funeral service.