Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1874-05-28
Cremation Mechanically Considered.

SIR HENRY THOMPSON, Professor of
Clinical Surgery IN the University Col
lege, London, one of the first to favor
cremation, is out with a second article
pointing out an easy and cheap method
of dispOsing of the dead by the burning
OF the body. The experiments of Sir
Henry ThompsOn-pertOrmed thus far
on the lower animals-are as follows:
In a powerful reverberating furnace, evil
indrical vessel seven feet long by six in di-
amCter was heated to a temperature of 1000
Fahrenheit. Into this polished cylinder al
ready at White heat, a body weighing 227
pounds was introduced. During the first few
moments gases were given off abundantlv:
but by passing through heated chamber of
tre-briclls, laid lattice fashion, they were rap
idly OXidiZed, and neither smoke nor gas es-
capped from chimney Of the ordinary height.
In the course of an hour the process was
complete, and the ashes-a refined sublimate
without tase or smell, in weight about five
poUuds-were removed.
As an indication of the process in the
human subject, the following is sug-
geSted:
When death occurs, and the necessary GER
tittcate has been given, the body is placed in
i light wood shell, then in a suitable outside
receptacle, preparatory to removal for re-
iglous rites or otherwise. After a proper
time has elapsed it is conveyed to the spot
where cremation is to be performed. There
nothing need be seen by the last attendant but
the placing of the shell within a small compart-
ment and the closing of the door upon it. 1t
slides down into the heated chamber and is
lett there an hour, till the necessary changes
have taken place. The ashes are then placed
at the disposal of the attendants.
Inc practical solution of the mechanical
dlthcultles being attained, there remain
the bearings upon the question of the
aesthetic sense to be discussed, and the
Professor, expecting opposition from the
general public, finds that from persons
in all ranks and stations in life. and from
the press, has come favorable assurance.
Even clergymen show how easily the
burial service can be rendered applicable
to cremation without affecting religious
convictions.
Even the lyceuns and debating clubs
have taken this subject up with so much
zeal as TO secure large maiorities in sup
port OF so revolutionary practice. 1t is
doubtful, however, whether the sober
second thought willstrengthen the feeling
in favor Of the proposed practice. Tn
London and in all great cities there are
reasons for inCrematiOn not felt in +ha
country. As far back as 1S49, DIR. Tvon
Playfair estimated that, from the 59O00
annual interments NOW reaching so 00Ol
of London, $500, 900 cubic feet of gases
were emitted-and regarding the amount
of this absorbed by the earth a grave de.
fusion has been entertained. The gases
evolved burst leaden collins, permeate
the surrounding soil and escape into
sewers passing near graveyards, and the
prevalence Of cholera in their vicinity is
a fact well marked. The condition of the
graveyards is often most revolving, and
hence the present feeling in London upon
the Question-N. 7. Express