Genesis 50:2

Embalmed Israel. The ancient Egyptian method of embalming has been described, both by Herodotus (ii. 86) and by Diodorus (i. 91). The accuracy of their descriptions has been confirmed in the main by ancient Egyptian documents and by an examination of the mummies themselves. The process was expensive, costing as much as $1,000. The brain was first extracted through the nostrils by means of a crooked piece of metal, and the skull was then thoroughly cleansed of any remaining portions by rinsing it with drugs. Through an opening in the left side made with a sharp knife, the viscera were removed and placed in separate jars, the so-called canopic jars. The empty abdomen was purified with palm wine and an infusion of aromatics, and then filled with various spices. After the opening had been sewed up, the stuffed form was submerged for many days (up to 70) in a bath of natron solution. Then it was washed, wrapped in a linen shroud, smeared over with gum, and finally painted to resemble the natural features of the deceased.