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Y. On the Origin of Cremation, or the Burning of the Dead. 
By Joun Jamurson, D. D. F. B.S. & F. AS. E, 
(Read April 3. 1815.) 
S far as we can judge from historical records, the primevat 
mode of disposing of dead bodies, was by inhumation. 
It has been observed in another essay, that according to Puuyy, 
the ancient Romans did not burn their dead, but consigned 
them to the earth *, It must be admitted, however, that by 
some the mode of cremation had been preferred in a very ear- 
ly period of their history ; as we cannot otherwise account for 
the prohibition, which Piurarcn ascribes to Numa, as to the 
burning of his body. If we may eredit the testimony of Crcz- 
Ro, the Greeks, during the reign of Crcrors, inhumated their 
dead +. The same mode of interment is attributed, by xian, 
to the Athenians |; and by Priurarcu to the Greeks in genes. 
ral ||, It is well known that Cecrors and Danaus, who brought 
iL 2 colonies 
* Pury. Hist. Nat. lib. viii. ¢. 54, _t De. Leg, lib. ii. 
+ Var. Hist, lib. v. 14.3 vii. 19, || In Vit. Soroy, 
