Funeral Service Practice Exam

What is the combination of salts, including sodium bicarbonate, used by early Egyptians to prepare and dehydrate the dead?

1. Saltpeter

2. Potash

3. Natron

4. Alum

The correct answer is: Natron

The correct choice, natron, is a naturally occurring mixture of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate along with some other salts. It played a crucial role in the ancient Egyptian mummification process. The Egyptians used natron for its effective ability to absorb moisture, which helped to dehydrate the body, preventing decay and preserving it for the afterlife. The use of natron was essential in rendering the body dry enough to withstand the effects of time, allowing for better preservation under the conditions in which mummies were placed. Saltpeter, potash, and alum have different chemical compositions and applications. Saltpeter, primarily composed of potassium nitrate, is often associated with gunpowder and fertilizer rather than preservation. Potash refers to potassium carbonate derived from wood ashes, often used in farming or glassmaking, but not in mummification. Alum, which is a compound of aluminum, potassium, or ammonium sulfate, is used in various applications like water purification and in culinary settings, and does not hold the same dehydrating properties as natron for the purposes of embalming. Thus, natron stands out as the specific combination used by the Egyptians to prepare and preserve the deceased.