The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-10-25

with chemical solutions, and is kept there
for six months or a year, the solution
being changed from time TO time. II Is a
mistaken idea that the vessel must be air.
tight. though the body Is in soft state
while in the liquid solution.
In this way the fat is saponifed-that
it,, it is dissolved and replaced by the
chemicals. The blood. and liquid tissues
are replaced by the process Of osmosis.
The solid parts are decomposed not by
decay, but chemically, and are replaced
by minerals
The experiments which l conducted in
this manner for the last three years have
led me to believe that my discovery IS emf
neutly practical I don't claim to have
perfected it by any means, for have not
had the time and necessary facilities 1
feel sure that under more favorable con-
ditions great improvements will be made,
and that in a very short time.
i have proved. however. that the hu-
man body can be petriied and preserved
in all it's forms features and appearance
for an indefinite period Moreover. there
will be no shrinkage or distortion. but the
result VIII be lifelike. The process Is
simple. and I am surprised that no one
has discovered it before I realized its
possibilities even as a medical student.
II is nothing more nor less than natures
method Of petrifcation concentrated.
My object was to prepare anatomical
specimens in such a way as not TO neces-
state their enclosure in vessels or chemi-
Gals. but 10 have them exposed to the at
nosphere without risk % decomposition.
and in this way facilitate ease for their
examination.
IN planning a method I concluded that
the first and most necessary step was 10
prevent immediate decomposition in order
that conditions for petriacstion might fol-
low
For this reason I selected sodium Sill
cate. compound the elements OF which
most petriaed substances contain in their
composition. and which by Itself is an ex-
eeuent preserver Of animal tissue I re-
memberei also that the ancient Egyptians
used Ma c IN their process OF mum
MITIGATION. and to initiate them I made
use Of Ma II { O s. which in combination
with the solution OF sodium siIicste has
given me = produce of mineral consist
eucy
After s. Few experiments I noticed that
in order to obtain good results i, IS neoes-
sary 10 prolong the process for months.
or even year. for the longer the process
the more the object approaches the petri-
fed state"
The doctor then proceeds to give de-
tailed directions not OF interest to lay
men and continue.
Il have kept some specimens for about
six months. some fer longer and some
for less time Again. some specimens I
have simply subjected 70 alternative mac
Grafton in the above solutions. but these
were small solid parts.
4 have the body OF ar unborn babe.
which has been injected but once with the
above solution. ard the remainder OF the
time It has been kept IN solution for 1
period OF six months. having been ex-
posed TO the air for two years. 7: Is now
very hard. Z o. vhitish yellow color.
and looks and feels IKE ordinary line
stone
Regarding the changes that take place.
VII not attempt 10 say anything posi-
lively. but 50 Gar As can tell from Oh
servatioa Il seems 10 be somewhat as fol-
lows. The fatty tissue becomes szponi1ed
from the czustic effect OF silfcate sodium.
Is gradually dissolved II sei.tica ard