The cremation of the dead

Considered from an aesthetic, sanitary, religious, historical, medico-legal, and economical standpoint

Erichsen

• Publisher: Science & Technology Publishing
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN: 9782528114070
• Topic: Social Sciences
• Subtopic: 20th Century History
• Index: Social Sciences

The Cremation of the Dead: Considered from an Aesthetic, Sanitary, Religious, Historical, Medico-Legal, and Economical Standpoint is a comprehensive and thought-provoking treatise by Hugo Erichsen, first published in the late 19th century. This seminal work delves deeply into the practice of cremation, examining it from multiple perspectives to provide a thorough understanding of its implications and significance. Erichsen explores the aesthetic aspects of cremation, discussing how it aligns with notions of beauty, dignity, and respect for the deceased. He addresses the sanitary benefits, highlighting how cremation can prevent the spread of disease and contamination often associated with traditional burial methods. The book also investigates the religious dimensions of cremation, analyzing the attitudes and doctrines of various faiths and denominations, and how these have evolved over time. Erichsen provides a historical overview, tracing the origins and development of cremation practices across different cultures and epochs, from ancient civilizations to contemporary society. The medico-legal standpoint is meticulously considered, with discussions on the legalities, medical implications, and forensic aspects of cremation, including its role in public health and criminal investigations. Economically, Erichsen evaluates the cost-effectiveness of cremation compared to burial, considering factors such as land use, resource consumption, and the financial burden on families and communities. Throughout the book, Erichsen advocates for a rational and scientific approach to the disposal of the dead, challenging prevailing prejudices and misconceptions. Rich in detail and supported by extensive research, The Cremation of the Dead remains a foundational text for anyone interested in the cultural, ethical, and practical dimensions of funerary practices.

Table of contents

• THE CREMATION OF THE DEAD CONSIDERED FROM AN ÆSTHETIC, SANITARY, RELIGIOUS, HISTORICAL, MEDICO-LEGAL, AND ECONOMICAL STANDPOINT
• PREFACE.
• CONTENTS.
• INTRODUCTION.
• CHAPTER I. THE HISTORY OF CREMATION.
• CHAPTER II. THE EVILS OF BURIAL; THE SANITARY ASPECT OF INCINERATION.
• CHAPTER III. CREMATION IN TIMES OF WAR.
• CHAPTER IV. THE PROCESS OF MODERN CREMATION.
• CHAPTER V. THE MEDICO-LEGAL ASPECT OF INCINERATION.—THE OBJECTIONS TO CREMATION.
• CHAPTER VI. BURIAL ALIVE.—CREMATION FROM AN ÆSTHETIC AND RELIGIOUS POINT OF VIEW.
• CHAPTER VII. ECONOMY OF CREMATING THE DEAD.—THE PRESENT STATE OF THE CREMATION QUESTION.
• TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES