Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice [Hardcover]

Robert Mayer (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0071439501 | ISBN-13: 978-0071439503 | Publication Date: November 9, 2005 | Edition: 4

There is no other book on the subject that is as complete and up-to-date in its coverage of the art and science of embalming, restorative arts, and mortuary cosmetology for students and practitioners. Known throughout the industry as the authority and complete reference on the history, theory, practice, and technique of embalming, this new Fourth Edition represents a thorough guide to traditional practice as well as new trends. (20060701)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Embalming: History, Theory and Practice

A review of the latest edition of Robert Mayer’s definitive work.

After graduating from mortuary college, students start a training program, usually called an “apprenticeship,” and are often told by their embalming mentor to forget everything they have learned in school because he or she will teach them how to embalm. For many of these new funeral directors, this is the extent of their post-graduate education in embalming.

The latest (fourth) edition of Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice, written by Robert Mayer and published by McGraw-Hill Medical, is not only an excellent textbook for students, but can also prove a valuable addition to any funeral director’s professional library. Reading this book for the first time, or re-reading it after graduation, can prove as worthwhile as attending an advanced embalming seminar.

My advice to every embalmer is to get a copy of this book and read it with the attitude of “What can I learn if I used an earlier edition of this book in mortuary school?” or “What new information can I discover that will help me improve my present level of embalming knowledge?” When you read Mayer’s book, you will probably have a similar experience to me because you will learn a great deal. If your mind is open, you will be amazed at how much more there is to embalming than what you currently know or do, especially if you have fallen into the routine of using the same fluids and techniques for all your cases.

One of the differences used to distinguish “technicians” from “professionals” is that the latter possess a greater depth of knowledge about their chosen specialty. Mayer’s book can give you that greater depth of embalming knowledge about topics such as pre-embalming analysis; what happens with cells and tissues when they come in contact with pre-injection and arterial fluids; different methods of treating organ and tissue donors; the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of injection and drainage; and embalming for delayed viewing.

This book also provides a very good section on restorative art. What I like about this section is the step-by-step instructions for performing deep-cavity restorations and treating discoloration of skin conditions, tissue building, treating swelling, and suggestions for the application of cosmetics.

Also included in Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice are brief but interesting chapters on the history of embalming and restorative art. Although these chapters will not improve your embalming, they can prove useful as you prepare a public talk on the history of our profession. Based upon my experience, I have found that the public enjoys talks that include the more interesting aspects of our history.

The final chapter offers a compilation of 23 selected readings on different aspects of embalming, in which Mayer brings in professionals other than himself to discuss topics that are relevant and interesting to current practitioners.

Finally, I wish to mention that I found Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice easy to read. Mayer has done an excellent job of using graphs, photos, bullet points, shaded summaries and diagrams to clarify the main points as he explains them.

Ralph L. Klicker, Ph.D., is the president of Thanos Institute in New York. (The Director )

From the Back Cover

Key Benefit: The second edition on this leading book on embalming has been thoroughly revised to reflect changes in the field while incorporating theory and new procedures throughout, all accompanied by updated illustrations and additional photographs. Key Topics: Chapters discuss the environment of embalming, various chemicals and methods used, and specific conditions that influence the type of embalming treatment used. Includes a new, expanded section on embalming history. Market: Mortuary science students. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 704 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Medical; 4 edition (November 9, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071439501
• ISBN-13: 978-0071439503
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #103,624 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a excellent book on embalming. very informative!!!!!!, March 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Embalming: History, Theory, & Practice (Hardcover)

when I read a book, about embalming its very important to me that I get all the imformation about the practice, tools, and various methods of arterial injection. this book was very clear on every one of those subjects. If you are planning on going into,the mortuary field, its A great book!!!!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THIS IS THE EMBALMERS TEXTBOOK!, December 21, 2007

By 

R.Brian Burkhardt "YourFuneralGuy & Author &#... (IL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Embalming: History, Theory, and Practice (Hardcover)

This is the Textbook for the Embalmer.Every apprentice and Funeral Director needs this book,even if they are not active embalmers. Professional embalmers readily have this text available. Most have this book tabbed and referenced for use. This book should be read before entering the preparation room. This book should also should not be read by the general public and needs specialized instruction. Many Embalmers will tell you that experience is a better teacher. I disagree. Recently I went through this book. Funeral Directors should refer to this book in their written notes about problem cases. They are the Experts and should always use the professional skills outlined here. Of particular utility, for both arrangers and embalmers is the section on drugs and embalming.
This book+experience=the professional embalmer. A good rule for the general public is to ask if this book is available, to their embalmer,IF THE FAMILY MAKES THE EMBALMING CHOICE. Often neglected is the excellent, technical section on restorative art.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best for the embalming student; frank info for curious, September 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Embalming: History, Theory, & Practice (Hardcover)

I used the text as a Mortuary Science Department student at Cypress College,Orange Co. It was a real "eye-opener". The book became my bible. I'm sure I'll continue to learn from it. Although it may be a little "dry", it is extremely informative and detailed. Definitely for the person who respects the deceased and their loved ones; it is important for readers to have a certain emotional maturity.