DISPOSAL OF THE DEAD. 601 



In an adjacent case was an example of mummification, by the 

 latest and most successful method. By a series of chemical processes 

 it has been attempted to preserve in the corpse the appearance natural 

 to life, as regards color and form. Admirable as the result appears 

 to be, in preserving anatomical and pathological specimens of the body, 

 it is, in my opinion, very far from successful when applied to the face 

 and hand. At best, a condition is produced which resembles a badly- 

 colored and not well-formed waxen image. And the consciousness 

 that this imperfect achievement is the real person and not a likeness, 

 so far from being calculated to enhance its value to the survivor, pro- 

 duces the very painful impression, as it were, of a debased original ; 

 while, moreover, it is impossible not to be aware that the substitution 

 of such an image for the reality must in time replace the mental pict- 

 ure which exists, of the once living face lighted by emotion and in- 

 telligence, of which the preserved face is wholly destitute. 



To return to the process of cremation. There are still numerous 

 considerations in its favor which might be adduced, of which I shall 

 mention only one ; namely, the opportunity it offers of escape from the 

 ghastly but costly ceremonial which mostly awaits our remains after 

 death. How often have the slender shares of the widow and orphan 

 been diminished in order to testify, and so unnecessarily, their loving 

 memory Of the deceased, by display of plumes and silken scarfs about 

 the unconscious clay ! And, again, how prolific of mischief to the liv- 

 ing is the attendance at the burial-ground, with uncovered head, and 

 damp-struck feet, in pitiless weather, at that chilling rite of sepulture ! 

 Not a few deaths have been clearly traceable to the act of offering 

 that u last tribute of respect." 



Perhaps no great change can be expected at present in the public 

 opinions current, or rather in the conventional views which obtain, on 

 the subject of burial, so ancient is the practice, and so closely asso- 

 ciated is it with sentiments of affection and reverence for the deceased. 

 To many persons, any kind of change in our treatment of the dead will 

 be suggestive of sacrilegious interference, however remote, either in 

 fact or by resemblance to it, such change may be. Millions still cherish 

 deep emotions, connected both with the past and the future, in relation 

 to the " Campo Santo," and the annual " Jour des Morts." And many 

 of these might be slow to learn that, if the preservation of concrete 

 remains, and the ability to offer the tribute of devotion at a shrine be 

 desired, cremation equally, if not better than burial, secures those 

 ends. On the other hand, I know how many there are, both in this 

 country and abroad, who only require the assurance that cremation is 

 practically attainable to declare their strong preference for it, and to 

 substitute it for what they conceive to be the present defective and 

 repulsive procedure. A few such might, by combination for the pur- 

 pose, easily examine the subject still further by experiment, and would 

 ultimately secure the power, if they desired, to put it in practice for 



