Improvements in Coffins for the same.
Year: 1885

page_text: 66
Improvements in Coffins for the same.'
"
I THOMAS MARTIN of "La Fosse André" Amherst Road, Guernsey, Lt Colonel
late Com The K. O. R Lancaster Regt do hereby declare the nature of my
invention for "INTERMENTS IN CEMETERIES AND ALSO FOR "BURIALS AT SEA
to be as follows:-
"
"
The late Sanitary Congress held at Leicester pointed out with effect and
authority that: The present system of burials was evidently wrong and the
question was: How to improve upon it?"
How to dispose of the dead has consequently become a sanitary question of the
first importance more particularly at the present time when nations are at their
wits-end to remove causes which tend to the spread of imported epidemics the
effects of which paralyse trade, compel quarantines and decimate peoples.
My systems are three with special coffins for the same.
1 For interments in cemeteries and graveyards, &c.
21 For "Burials at Sea" from populous sea ports and other places.
3ly For funerals of persons who die at sea during a voyage.
1. The funerals would take place as usual; and while present vested interests
would not suffer other industries, scientific and mechanical, would be called into
activity.
2. This system has for its objects-1st Durability-215 The prevention of
decaying matter entering the soil and poisoning water-springs & c-3ly The
preservation of the corpses from mutilation by animals.-4ly Abolishing the
un-sanitary custom of re-utilising graves of the poorer classes.-5. The dis-
infecting of the gases, as far as possible, and then disposing of them at innocuous
heights. Gly The prevention of contagion, by keeping the contents of coffins
absolutely air-tight during transit.
3. The coffins required for these objects have the base and sides of doubly-
galvanized-iron-sheeting,-
-or of zinc, or of any suitable metal, material or substance;
1171

page_text: electro-plated, enamelled or glazed.—If metal, blocked to shape in one piece, or
otherwise constructed air-tight.
4. For high-class interments these coffins may be of bronze or other amalgums;
or of cast iron coated as above stated; or any may be covered with cloth having
customary ornaments and inscription-plate &c; or may be of any carthenware; any
or all of which enclosing, if required, a wooden "Shell" connected with the
*Valve."
<t
The coffins of the poorest besides being galvanized would be coated with metal-
preserving-pigments &c.
5. By preference at the foot end of the coffin (as near to the upper edge as
possible, & counter-sunk) is a perforation fitted with a convenient releasable valve
or air-tight stopper the orifice being guarded by perforated metal or strong wire
gauze to exclude animals, while allowing the escape of the, partially disinfected,
gases; thus preventing the revolting and pestiferous effects of bursting to which
ordinary coffins are so generally subject, especially those of the poorer classes.
6. The top or lid, may be of any tough wood, or a frame of the same; or a
skeleton frame of metal; any or all of which would be sheathed with metal, the
edges of which are bent to overlap the edges of the sides, with which they coincide,
and are ready bored at intervals to admit of being screwed absolutely air-tight to
the edges of the frame (through the edges of the sheathing, first; and sides) by
means of gutta-percha-tape-packing, or by any other known means; or, the lid, in
some instances, inay be soldered or cemented according to the material used for the
whole coffin.
7. The handles, two pairs to each coffin, are attached by metal binders in some
instances provided with flanges united by a screw in order to remove them where
expense is an object.
8. To encourage "Resolution" and promote as far as can be the disinfection of
the gases resulting from decomposition, I adapt: 1st Approved known chemicals
and also some earth all suitably enveloped and seemly distributed inside the
coffin-Every coffin manufactured would be supplied with these.-2ly I also adapt
a system of underground tubing or gas-pipes in connection with mains (which
would be as near the surface as may be) converging towards tall shafts or chimneys;
or, by means of tubing, to the summit of available church-steeples.
Mortuary chapels at cemeteries should have steeples for this purpose.
9. All vaults, tombs and underground constructions in cemeteries &c, should be
required to be connected with the mains which would lie between the ranges of
these structures For the poorer classes suitable compartments should be prepared
and connected with the mains, and as the coffins are so constructed as to be each,
as it were, a tomb in itself, they would be placed in juxtaposition and also in layers
with some earth and cement packed between them; thus burying our dead as 4
permanently as early Christians were buried in catacombs.
Even were these graves not connected with the mains the advantages to the
public health would be 1st That, as each coffin confines the "Residuum," there
would be no more pollution of water from that source.-2y The gases being as
much as possible disinfected their evil effects would be minimised.
4
In these days of sanitary improvements in "Housing the Poor" we ought not
to consider slight additional expense in burying them; because, providing decent
and durable coffins and graves for ensuring final "Places of Rest" to our humbler
classes, would, not only meet with their gratitude, and remove one of their really
just causes for complaint, but would also conduce materially to the health of 5
all classes.
Science will not prove incapable of devising the best description of " Compart-
ment" for carrying out this much needed reform and so spare poor people the
disgust and pain of witnessing those dear to them placed in frail wooden "Shells,"
inisnamed coffins, and buried in pits, miscalled graves, reeking with the "Residue'
of past batches of paupers while mourners observe around them every known means
resorted to for treasuring the remains of their rich brethren.
"

page_text: This system is applicable to all sea-ports and their neighbourhoods; but especially,
to populous ports which being the great centres of life & death are so prone to
accept imported diseases and facilitate their spread.
1. At sea-ports there would be a special wharf or quay on which a commodious
mortuary chapel planned for the separate reception of the dead of three (or more)
different communities-After the rites required had been performed each coffin
(labelled or bearing a mark or symbol denoting its community) would be con-
veniently lowered (by means of ordinary "lifts") to, on board a " Funeral
Steamer" suitably and appropriately fitted and provided with "Mortuary Saloons,"
or, if required, "Chapelles Ardentes," in each of which seperate mechanical arrange-.
ments would be available for the final disposal of each coffin.
2. Governments would indicate the areas, beyond usual anchorage, where the
dead would be "Committed to the Deep" according to the rites they had professed;
"Burial at Sea" being a universal Christian rite each community would be
represented on board by a chaplain or minister of its own.
3. The coffins for this system are similar to those for the 1" system but by
preference would be of any metal galvanized or glazed &c or otherwise protected
from the action of sea-water.
4. In ordinary cases each coffin would have two air-tight releasable valves or
stoppers, one smaller than the other to facilitate sinking. In other instances if
sufficiently heavy and strong no valves would be required; and some might require
only one small releasable self-acting "gas escape."
5. All these valves or stoppers have perforated metal &c to exclude marine
animals; and are kept absolutely air-tight during conveyance on shore and are not
released until the very last moment on board; therefore no possible inconvenience
or evil would arise or result in the event of a steamer being detained in port
through stress of weather or by the dead being conveyed to port from distant
places inland.
6. The lids are constructed like those already described, but by preference they
would consist of a skeleton frame of metal sheathed; and closed by screws as
described.
7. The handles, as those for coffins for the 1st system.
8. No chemicals would be required.
In applying this system to London I select, by preference, "Tilbury" (Essex)
where there would be a wharf with mortuary chapel, as described, for the reception
of the dead of North London via a special railway station or siding at Fenchurch St;
and similar arrangements at "Gravesend" (Kent) for the dead of South-London
via a special siding at London Bridge Station, (instead of taking the dead, as now
to Woking via Waterloo Station) one steamer might perform both services.
The above 1 and 2nd systems may require the "Hearse Transfers" included in
my Patent N° 951 of 1884.
3RD SYSTEM.
FUNERALS OF PERSONS WHO DIE AT SEA DURING A VOYAGE.
Instead of using, as now, hammocks or bags in which to wrap corpses, a disgusting
and primitive means which subjects the dead to become mutilated and rapidly
devoured by marine animals, I contrive coffins on the same principle as those for
the 2nd system but so constructed as to render them portable to economise
"Stowage" and so complete as to admit of their being put together in a few
minutes.
1. For these coffins the sheathed "Frame," of metal or wood, forms the base and
are of suitable form and of average sizes.

page_text: 2. The sides are of galvanized iron-sheeting, or other metal, and are hinged
together at the angles except one, or two; and to unite the extremities to form
these angles hinging-loops are provided through which "pins" are passed when
required to be set up to fit the sheathed "Frame" and to which the sides would be
nailed, if of wood, or screwed, as described, if metal.
3. The lid, or top, is metal, like that of the "sides" and "sheathing," and is
provided with "hinging-loops" at suitable intervals coinciding with similar loops
at the upper edges of the "sides "-these are hinged together by pins after the
corpse is placed inside, thus rendering it safe from mutilation.
4. The foot end side is partially punctured, instead of "valves ;" and some ballast
might be used, as now.
5. These coffins pack flat on the sheathed base frames, a dozen would occupy a
comparatively very small space.
Improvements in Coffins for the same.
I THOMAS MARTIN of Connamara, late Comdg 4th The Kings Own R¹ (Lancaster,
Reg, and now of "La Fosse André" Guernsey, Channel Islda do hereby declare the
nature of my inventions for THE DISPOSAL OF THE DEAD &c &c, and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:―
The late Sanitary Congress held at Leicester pointed out with effect and
authority that "the present system of burials was evidently wrong and the
question was how to improve upon it."
How to dispose of the dead has consequently become a sanitary question of the
first importance more particularly at the present time when nations are at their
wits-end to remove causes which tend to the spread of imported epidemics the
effects of which paralyze trade, compel quarantines, and decimate peoples.
My systems are three; with special coffins for the same—viz:
1st For interments in cemeteries, graveyards &c.
2nd For "Burials at Sea," from populous "Sea Ports" and other places.
3rd For funerals of persons who die at sea during a voyage.
By my systems present vested interests, as to inland cemeteries and grave-yards,
will not suffer; undertakers will still exercise their trade, but with much less risk

page_text: to themselves and to the public; family vaults &c, will continue to receive the
dead, subject only to certain sanitary improvements; the evil effects resulting from
interments will cease, especially at "Sea-Ports," and lastly new industries both
scientific and mechanical will be created and developed.
The late Sanitary Congress held at Leicester pointed out with effect and
authority all I could possibly have desired should be made public as to the terrible
evils attendant upon the present pernicious modes of burying in cemeteries &c, and
it concluded this most important section of its praiseworthy work by recording
that "The present system of burials was evidently wrong; and the question was
how to improve upon it?"
:
3
With a view to meeting the question so, apparently, hopelessly shelved, I have
in a pamphlet more fully advocated my systems.
INTERMENTS IN CEMETERIES AND GRAVE-YARDS AND IMPROVED COFFINS FOR
THE SAME.
1. This system has for its objects: 1st Durability. 2 The prevention of
decaying matter entering into the soil and poisoning water-springs &c-3ly The
preservation of the corpses from mutilation by animals.-4ly Abolishing the
un-sanitary practice of re-utilizing graves of the poorer classes.-5ly The dis-
infecting of the gases, as far as it is possible, and then disposing of them at
innocuous heights. 6 The prevention of contagion by keeping the contents of
coffins absolutely air-tight during transit.
2. The funerals would take place as usual.
3. The coffins for this system have the base and sides of specially galvanized
iron-sheeting; or, of zinc; or, of any other suitable metal, electro-plated, or
otherwise coated, or protected with other metals or substances. They may be
"Blocked" in one piece to the shapes and sizes required; or, may be otherwise
constructed so as to form, with the lid, an absolutely air-tight coffer or case, each
provided with a "Valve" as hereinafter specified.
4. For higher class interments these air-tight valved coffins might be made of
metal, marble, slate or earthenware enclosing wooden "Shells" connected with the
valve; or, might be of cast bronze or any other such amalgums; and, may be
coated with glazing or enamelling and have ornamental symbols &c, if required, or
be covered with cloth having customary ornaments and plate with inscription.―
Even the coffins of the poorest classes, besides being doubly galvanized, would be
lacquered or be otherwise coated with the best metal-preserving pigments with a
view to the objects above detailed.
5. The foot-end of each coffin (as near the upper edge as possible, and counter-
sunk to prevent the ingress of water) is fitted with a convenient releasable
"Valve," or air-tight stopper; the inner side of the orifice of which is guarded by
perforated metal or durable wire-gauze, or other means, to exclude animals, while
allowing the gradual escape of gases, thus preventing the revolting and pestiferous
effects of bursting to which wooden and "Earth to Earth coffins are generally
subject especially those of the poorer classes.
6. The handles, two pairs to each coffin, are attached by means of "Binders," in
some instances provided with flanges united by a convenient screw, in order to
remove them when economy is an object.
7. The lid, may be a frame of tough wood, but by preference a skeleton-frame
of metal, all of which would be sheathed with metal the edges of which sheathing
are bent to overlap the edges of the sides, with which they coincide, and are ready
bored through at intervals to admit of being easily screwed to the edges of the
frame also ready "Tapped" for the purpose; and by means of gutta-percha tape-
packing the whole is screwed together absolutely air-tight.

page_text: L
The lid, in some instances might be soldered on; or, cemented, according to the
nature of the materials used for the whole coffin; or, if the frame be of wood
suitably headed galvanized, or zinc &c, nails might be used.
8. Metal coffins, as described, for the poorer classes, would not only be safe-guards
to the public health but when demand created supply they would prove more
economical and preferable to these classes. And, to minimise the evil effects of the
gases resulting from decomposition my system provides:
1st To encourage "Resolution" and promote, as far as can be, the disinfection of
the gases, I adapt known chemicals, and also some prepared earth, all suitably and
seemly distributed inside the coffin.-Every coffin manufactured would be supplied
with these.
21 I also adapt a system of underground tubing and gas-pipes in connection
with mains, which mains, would be as near the surface as may be, converging
towards shafts or tall chimneys; or, by means of tubing, to the summit of
available church-steeples.—Mortuary-chapels at cemeteries would have steeples for
this purpose.
31 All vaults, tombs, and underground contrivances in cemeteries &c, should be
required to be connected with the mains, which would lie between the ranges of
such structures.
4ly For the poorer classes suitable "Compartments" should be prepared for each
day's requirements and connected with the mains; and, as the coffins are so
constructed as to be each, as it were, a tomb in itself they could be placed in juxta-
position and also in layers with some earth and cement ingredients, or by preference
cement, packed between them; thus burying the dead as permanently as early
Christians were buried in catacombs.-Even were these graves not connected with
the mains, the advantages to public health would be that: as each coffin confines
the "Residuum" there would be no more "Pollution of Water" from that source;
and, the gases being, as much as possible, disinfected their evil effects would be
considerably lessened. But science will not prove incapable of devising the best
description of Compartiment" for carrying out this much needed reform, and
disposing of the gases as proposed; so sparing poor people the disgust and pain of
witnessing those dear to them placed in frail wooden "Shells" misnamed coffins,
and buried in pits miscalled graves reeking with the "Residue" of past batches of
paupers, while the mourners observe around them every known means employed
for treasuring the remains of their wealthy brethren.
"
When we close a grave we refrain from thinking about the process of decay or
of the evils it engenders; it is only the rich who may comfort themselves with
embalming their dead and providing solid and costly coffins and tombs; yet,
"Inexorable Time" demolishes even these! Increased population and wealth cry
out for more South-Kensingtons" and it may be that a third generation will
find itself compelled to sweep all before it, as a first did, and console itself with.
the plausible comfort that the bones and detritus have been piously carted away,
pell-mell, with other bones less carefully entombed or sanctified by special con-
secrations! Vanity erects the monuments but overwhelming expediency removes
them!
We un-grudgingly spend millions, the more the better, on education let us
therefore not hesitate to expend a few hundreds more, of even public money, upon
giving those we educate purer air to breathe and consequently better health to
enjoy the fruits of their acquirements.
In these days of "Sanitary Improvements" in housing the poor we ought to
disregard slight additional expenses for burials; because, providing decent and
durable coffins for securing final "Places of Rest" for our humbler classes would
not only meet with their approval and gratitude; but, remove one of their most
just complaints and conduce to the general better health of both rich and poor;
so, let us hope that the horribly disgusting practice or re-utilizing the ground
allotted for pauper burials in cemeteries and grave-yards by interring batches of

page_text: dead in soil already super-saturated with putrition, through the perishability of
wooden and "Earth to Earth" coffins will be prohibited throughout civilization.
SECOND SYSTEM.
"BURIALS AT SEA" FROM POPULOUS "SEA-PORTS" AND OTHER PLACES.
This system might with extreme advantage be not only applied to all populous
sea-ports which are the centres of life and death, but also to inland neighbour-
hoods which may be connected with them by railway, tramway, or river; and if
all foreign ports adopt it, one of the greatest factors towards feeding cholera,
small-pox, and fevers would be removed, and the chances of trade-paralyzing
quarantines overcome.
The late frequent visitations of cholera at different points of Europe seem clearly
to indicate the evils which the pressing necessities of our century have called into
operation since the invention of steam, through the congregating at mercantile
ports, and their neighbourhoods, of multitudes of seekers for employment, food,
wealth, amusement and luxury, from inland towns and districts, and from all parts
of the globe. And these warnings are evidently intended to impress upon us the
urgent necessity for having recourse to immediate sanitary measures more especially
with reference to the " Disposal of the Dead" and the methodical utilization of
Sewage," and there is scarcely a place where it might not be utilized; as [
explained in my Patent No 951 of 1884.
"
The "Ocean-bed" affords an ample, perfect, and natural burying-place for all;
under one common shroud which already veils millions of the dearest and bravest
of every creed, caste and race who through the sad strifes of nations or in the
peaceful avocations attendant upon inter-national intercourse have found peace
and rest in the "Waters of the Deep" where at less than 30 feet from its surface,
reigns a perpetual calm.
"
Cremation," is objected to because it is not a Christian rite; who, in a Christian
or in a sanitary point of view will for a moment dispute the superiority of "Burial
at Sea"?-Christians of every "Shade of Doctrine" are so familiar with burial at
sea, that each section of the unhappily divided family has a special formula for
the performance of the rite, and consequently sanctions it.-To "Inter," was harm-
less enough when agriculture and pasturing were the all-absorbing pursuits; but,
now-a-days, interment has become a poisoning nuisance; on the other hand
Cremation" (which might with certain improvements be practised with advantage
at populous inland towns) has its "Fumes" which require to be most carefully
dealt with. Is not, therefore "Burial at Sea" the most common-sense way of
overcoming these evils?-It creates neither nuisance nor fumes.
"
In criticizing this system people must bear in mind that all graves and most,
if not all, tombs become more or less filled with water, which in due course
percolates through the soil and poisons springs and wells; and, that this system
for disposing of the dead is therefore, merely, a wholesome substitute of a sea-
water grave for one of rain-water.
Burial at sea, will of course like "Systematic Cremation" (which I invented in
1863 for Hindoo Castes) be subject to the same objection as to the "Detection
of Cases of Poisoning i a difficulty which might it is hoped be overcome by
enacting inore stringent laws as to medical certificates of death, and also by
acquiring reliable tests for detecting or judging by symptoms and appearances
that death resulted from poison, in which case "Autopsy" would at once be
resorted to; desiderata, which science may before long be able to afford.
In the mean time would it not be wiser to chance a few such cases remaining
unverified, by questionable accuracy, at "Sea-Ports" than that the masses at our
great centres of commerce should continue to suffer from the poisoning effects of
millions of gradually decaying corpses in cemeteries and grave-yards which
surround them at every point of the compass ?-Cities, circumvallated by putrition
in its worst form! Wet or dry, cold or hot, the pestiferous gases and matter have

page_text: their morbific flight and penetration. What are river nuisances as compared with
these? Floods purify rivers, but have a contrary effect on cemeteries.
How." BURIALS AT SEA" FROM
"
"
SEA-PORTS SHOULD BE PERFORMED.
1. The funerals, would take place, as now, according to prevailing usages. But,
instead of conveying the dead to a cemetery they would be taken to a special
railway-siding in connection with a special wharf at the "Sea-Port," or at a
convenient distance from it, on which there would be a suitable "Mortuary
Chapel" in three or more divisions to meet the requirements of different
communities.
"
"
2. After the usual rites, each coffin would be lowered (mechanically) as if into a
" of a
tomb, into the separate Mortuary Saloons" or Chapelles Ardentes
"Funeral Steamer" fitted for the purpose. Any of the saloons or chapels might be
consecrated according to the custom of each exclusive community one of its clergy-
being permanently attached to the vessel to receive its dead accordingly as they
become lowered on board, during the day, from its portion of the mortuary chapel
on the wharf.
Each coffin would carry a label or symbol denoting the community it belongs to.
3. There would be, as at cemeteries, a chaplain or minister of each denomination
attached to the steamer, for each of whom separate accommodation would be
provided.
4. These steamers would be under the supervision of government or municipal
authorities and have specially selected officers, crews, and assistants.
5. Each saloon or chapel would have its own gangway, suitably fitted, out of
which (after the services) each coffin would be caused to slide gradually, the
narrow end foremost (by mechanical contrivances) the "Valves" being released at
the last moment.
6. The steamer, or steamers, would leave the wharf every evening and arrived
at the distance, "Buoyed," beyond usual anchorage, decided upon by the naval
authorities, the dead would be "Committed to the Deep," according to the rites
and doctrines they had professed, there to "Repose in Peace beyond the
possibility of becoming desecrated by man in his persuits after ologies, trinkets,
building-sites and railway-lines; nor subject to the voracity of animals, as far as
it is in human power to ensure Until the Sea shall give up her Dead."
"
For exclusive communities Buoys" might, if necessary, be also placed to
indicate limits.
IMPROVED COFFINS FOR THIS SYSTEM.
1. The coffins for this system are constructed on the same principle and of any
of the materials as those already specified for the 1st system; but, by preference
they would be of any of the metals mentioned; galvanized, glazed or otherwise
protected from the action of sea-water.
2. The lid, by preference, would be a skeleton frame of metal "Sheathed" with
the same description of metal as used for the rest of the coffin, and "Tapped" at
intervals for screwing the sides to it air-tight, as explained.
3. In ordinary instances each coffin has two valves, one at each end, but one
smaller than the other to facilitate sinking, and these are protected by perforated
metal &c, as described, to prevent marine-animals getting in. These valves are not
released until the very last moment on board the steamer.-In some instances
when the coffins are rendered heavy and made sufficiently strong to resist the
effects of the gases which supervene, no valves would be required. In other
instances one small releasable valve would prove sufficient to allow the escape of
gases, while preventing the ingress of either animals or water, the valve being
self-acting after it is released.

page_text: 4. The object of making these coffins absolutely air-tight until buried is, to
render their contents perfectly innocuous to the public, during transit, however
deferred the burial or distant the place the body may be sent from; and, also to
prevent the possibility of any ill effects or inconvenience whatever arising, in the
event of a funeral steamer becoming detained in port through stress of weather.
5. The handles, are adapted as already explained and are removable when
necessary.
.
6. No chemicals are required for these coffins.
a
HOW THIS. SYSTEM MIGHT BE APPLIED TO LONDON.
In order to shew how this system might be applied to any port, even to those
not actually on the sea-coast, I select London from where a great portion of its
dead are taken as far inland as "Woking," (26 miles), an un-sanitary expedient
which ought to be protested against, especially by Guildford and Aldershot which
have already to provide for the dead of their own rapidly increasing populations.―
This big cemetery, as well as the others which surround London, might still continue
to receive monuments "in Memoriam" of the departed and become in course of
time salubrious resorts for the public.
Although funeral expenses might not be considerably lessened there would result
incalculable gain in a sanitary sense.
1. Equidistant (20 miles) from London are situate "Tilbury" on the north side
of the Thames and Gravesend opposite to it on the south side.
2. At Tilbury, there would be a special wharf on which a commodious Mortuary
Chapel, as described, would be constructed.
3. Similar arrangements would be made at Gravesend.
"
4. A Funeral Steamer" would be at the Tilbury Wharf and, if necessary
another at Gravesend, but perhaps one steamer would suffice for both services.
5. The dead of North-London, and its neighbourhoods instead of being taken to
inland railways for conveyance to cemeteries, would be brought to a special siding
at Fenchurch-street-station and there entrained for Tilbury.
6. The dead of South-London and its environs would not be taken, as now, to
Waterloo-Station for "Woking," but to London-Bridge-Station, similarly provided
with a special siding, for conveyance to Gravesend.
My already Patented (No 951 of 1884) "Hearse-Transfers" would come into
requisition for the transfer of the dead from hospitals &c.-As these hearse-transfers
are fitted with shelves, the coffins would never be placed one on the other; the
transfers being supplied with small truck-wheels they can be easily rolled on to
platform-carts or on to railway-trucks; moreover, as they are nearly as air-tight
as the coffins nothing further would be required to protect them during transit.
7. Arrived at their respective terminus the funeral steamer, if only one, would,
after receiving the coffins at Tilbury, cross over to Gravesend embark all the coffins
arrived there from South-London and proceed to sea for the performance of the
final offices.
8. If a company or associations be formed for the purpose, extra steamers would
be kept available for private burials to enable members of a family to attend the
last ceremony; or several such private funerals might take place on board the
same steamer.
"
"
Thus "Buried at Sea," the dead would really "Repose in Peace intact and
inviolable by creature-life or by their fellow men-In course of a very short time
the coffins would become absolutely interred by "Nature's sub-marine Architects'
constructing for each of them, without distinction a sepulchre not only more
beautiful than all the ingenuity of man could contrive but infinitely more durable
and safe from desecration.
The submerged cburch-yards on our own coasts and those beneath the Zuyder-zee
and along the Belgian shore afford striking illustrations of how nature herself.
Embosoms the Dead" notwithstanding all man's care and precautions,
"
"

page_text: The impossibility of a body buried at sea according to my simple, sanitary and
comparatively economical method, ever becoming a prey to mutilation or injury, is
sufficient to recommend it without taking into consideration the great reduction it
would effect in victims to "preventable Deaths and Sicknesses."
Great Britain, owes her imperial glory, her prosperity and national-safety, to
"The Sea;" and at only certain out-posts of her Empire which it does not surround,
there and there only are we occasionally annoyed. The Briton's "Life" is more or
less "on the Ocean Wave" and to that ocean which befriended and defended him
through life, he ought not to object to having his corpse consigned if he die at one
of our populous sea-ports, instead of allowing it to add its quota towards poisoning
or shortening the lives of those he leaves behind him. And by our setting the
wholesome example foreign ports would soon see the necessity for adopting the
custom.
THIRD SYSTEM.
SAFETY COFFINS FOR FUNERALS OF PERSONS WHO DIE AT SEA DURING
A VOYAGE.
Instead of, as now, burying at sea in hammocks or bags, a disgusting and
primitive expedient by which the dead become rapidly mutilated and devoured by
marine animals, and which in these days of general progress and refinement calls
for improvement, I have contrived coffins on the same principle as the last described,
but so constructed 'as to render them portable, in order to economise stowage on
board ships, and so complete in every detail as to admit of the parts being put
together in a few minutes.
1. For these coffins the skeleton-frame of either wood or metal, but by pre-
ference the latter, is "Sheathed" with metal, as before described; but, the frame
in this instance forms the base-The coffins are of average sizes and of suitable
shape.
2. The portions forming the "Sides" are of galvanized iron-sheeting, or other
suitable metal; and, for portability, are hinged together at the parts which would
form the angles when the sides are set up to fit the sheathed base-frame; hingeing
loops being provided through which pins aro passed to-unite them; and as the
lower edges of the sides and the edges of the base-frame are ready punched or
Tapped" they are either nailed or screwed to the frame according to the material
it is made of, thus forming the body of the coffin.
"
3. The "Lid" is metal, like that of the sides and sheathing, and is provided
with "hingeing-loops" at suitable intervals coinciding with similar loops at the
upper edges of the sides; these are likewise hinged together by pins after the
corpse is placed inside, thus rendering it safe from mutilation.
4. The foot-end-side is partially punctured, instead of valves, and some ballast
might be used as now.
Thus constructed a number of these coffins would occupy but a very small
space on board ships as the sides and lid pack flat on to its own sheathed-
base-frame.
These coffins do not require the "Valve" arrangements, nor the gutta-percha-tape-
packing, provided for the coffins of the 1st and 2nd systems which have to be made
absolutely air-tight for transport by road or rail; because the water would force
itself through the "perforated metal" at the foot-side and also through the slight
interstices between the hinged joints which serve also for the escape of gases.
I will now compare my first two systems with "Cremation."
As to my first system there can be no doubt that by it cemeteries, and grave-
yards would become purified, as far as it is possible to purify them.
22'
In "Scientific Interments," as I have set forth the question of decomposition
affecting "Water-springs &c is overcome; it therefore meets cremation on equal
terms; because, in both processes the residue of the gases have to be liberated at
innocuous heights.-If the matter of expense is to be taken into account the

page_text: balance will be found greatly in favor of scientific-interments on account of the
saving in fuel and the wear and tear of "Plant" &c &c.
With regard to "Burial at Sea" as compared with "Cremation" the question to
be answered is: which will most accord with the feelings of the general public?
ite. whether to have our dead Committed to the Flames" and their ashes collected
and interred; or, to have them
and secure from molestation.
Committed to the Deep" there to repose intact

page_text: 2. Coffins, as described, constructed of the most durable materials and substances;
and of any suitable make, shape, or sizes, for the innocuous interment of the dead
in cemeteries or grave-yards &c.
3. Safe-preserving-" Coffins" for burials in the sea of persons who die at
populous sea-ports, or elsewhere, as described.
4. Portable coffins, as described, for funerals of persons who die at sea during a
voyage.
or other
5. The adaptation to coffins of one or more releasable "Valves"
convenient releasable air-tight stoppers suitable for the objects and purposes
described.
6. Wire-gauze, or perforated metal adapted to coffins as described.
7. The adaptation of chemicals and prepared earth to the inside of coffins to
minimise the effects of decomposition.
8. Removable handles, as described, for some coffins.
"
Com-
9. The adaptation of systematic ventilation to vaults, tombs, graves or
partments" by the means and appliances described, for the innocuous escape of
foul-gases from cemeteries and all grave-yards.
10. "Funeral-Steamers" fitted and provided as described, for "Burials at Sea"
from sea-ports and other places.
"
11.Wharves with " Mortuary-Chapels "attached as described, for the
reception and embarkation of the dead.
12. The adaptation of "Hearse Transfers to the two first systems, for the
appropriate and sanitary conveyance of the dead from hospitals and other places,
as more fully described in my Patent No 951 of 1884.
Dated this thirtieth day of March eighteen hundred and eighty-six, at
Chaunce