Vladimir Illyich Lenin died on 24 January 1924. On the orders of Joseph Stalin, his body was preserved for posterity by using a secret embalming method. His internal organs were removed. His body was then injected with formalin and immersed in a formalin bath. His body was then dried and repeatedly immersed in a bath of glycerine, potassium acetate, water and quinine chloride. Lenin wears a waterproof suit under his uniform that holds in the embalming fluid, and his hands and head are bathed in fluid twice a week. His body is still on display in a specially constructed mausoleum.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2010
