(MORTUARY SCIENCE). DODGE, A. Johnson. The Third Edition of the Practical Embalmer.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Embalming

(MORTUARY SCIENCE). DODGE, A. Johnson. The Third Edition of the Practical Embalmer. (N.p.: A. Johnson Dodge, 1920) xxiii, [i], 259, [1] pp. (238 x 151 mm.) Third Edition. Publisher's maroon cloth, upper cover and spine with gilt lettering. With frontispiece portrait, three preliminary anatomical plates and text keys, 12 partially colored folding plates (lacking plate 7), and 17 black & white plates. Flyleaf with ownership signature of Martin W. Maloney. Light rubbing to corners and head and tail of spine, cloth with a couple small dings; front flyleaf with short tears through ownership signature, paper slightly toned and a few leaves with light foxing, several folding plates with light creases.

A nice copy of a classic work on the subject--though not for the faint of heart.

This "common-sense treatise on the art and science of embalming" includes a sound primer on human anatomy, followed by best practices for preparing bodies for transportation, funeral etiquette, and, of course, how to make sure someone is really dead.

The author, A. Johnson Dodge, was the co-founder of a chemical distributor specializing in embalming fluids. At a time when there was little regulation in the field, Dodge was instrumental in developing professional training for embalmers through schools and travelling instructors.

This work is scarce in any edition, with no other copies currently found on the market, and fewer than 10 copies located on OCLC (and none of this edition). (1074)