An improved embalming fluid formula.

Although a local modification of the usual alcohol-glycerinephenol-formaldehyde embalming formula has proved generally satisfactory through the years, continued price advances in the principal items of this formula led to its re-examination from a number of standpoints. A first consideration was the investigation of the possibility of substitutes for those items, such as ethanol and glycerine, used in a number of industrial processes and consequently becoming increasingly costly. Other considerations were the determination of the relative effectiveness of any substitutes utilized and the advisability of incorporating new compounds of possibly greater bactericidal and fungicidal properties. Since glycerine is deemed to contribute to the softness and plasticity of the body by virtue of its ability to hold fluid in the tissues, a product of similar hygroscopic character was indicated as a substitute. Although a number of these are available only %wo were tested, Aquaresin and Glucarine B, produced by the Glyco Products Company, of Brooklyn, New York. The latter was found to be the better and entirely satisfactory f o r this purpose. Of the alcohol series, isopropanol seemed to be the logical substitute for ethanol. Isopropanol is readily available and is considered to be a better germicidal and antiseptic agent than ethyl alcohol. Isopropanol has a distinctive odor, but not an objectionable one. The small percentage of formalin in the original formula was thought to be of value and being a relatively inexpensive item was retained. Phenol, having good fungicidal properties, is a worthwhile addition to an em-