Dressing Up For the Reaper: How Embalming Makes the Dead Look Alive

Dressing Up For the Reaper: How Embalming Makes the Dead Look Alive

President Abraham Lincoln died on April 15th, 1865, mere hours after John Wilkes Booth inflicted the mortal gunshot wound, but his body had to survive a 19-day train ride across the country before being laid to rest in Springfield, Ill. And thanks to a recent discovery by a Union surgeon, the president looked as serene when he arrived as when he left. Death is never pretty, but we sure can come close.

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Here’s How You Preserve a Dead Dictator Forever

Hugo Chavez died a few days ago, but he’s not exactly going six feet under any time soon. The late Venezuelan leader’s body is going to be on display for a week so people can pay homage. But bodies rot starting immediately, and regular old funeral home embalming only lasts a matter of hours. How do you ensure that old dead Chavez continues to resemble formerly alive Chavez for viewing purposes? More »