The author of this book has labored diligently, and, as I think,
with remarkable success, to occupy an original and unique field
in American literature. Hitherto, a complete treatise on the
important profession of Undertaking has been unknown. In fact,
until the establishment of “THE CASKET” (to which Mr. RENOUARD has
been a regular contributor from the beginning), there never had
been published anything concerning the duties and amenities of the
undertaker. There seemed to be a vague notion that there was nothing
to write about, and so of course nothing had been written calculated
to raise the profession to its proper dignity, and at the same time
put it in the light in which a correct estimate of it could be
obtained by the public. To be sure, there had been, and occasionally
continues to be, diatribes in the secular and religious press on the
“pomp,” “extravagances,” “oppression,” etc., etc., of funerals, and
plentiful rhetoric, couched in burlesque, sneer and satire, on the
methods of the undertaker; but a volume of sound sense, practical
advice and valuable information for every one connected with the
business never appeared important enough to command the serious
thought and arduous labor of formulating into a Manual.
This work, however, has at last been accomplished by one of their
number; a gentleman who, by education, industry and taste, is fully
qualified for so important an undertaking. How successfully, the
following pages amply testify. To occupy a great deal of space
with complete instructions for the preservation of dead bodies was
absolutely necessary, for without such instructions the book would
fail of its mission and be absolutely valueless. To impart this
important information, required the author to devote page after page
to explaining Physiological Chemistry and Anatomy to the profound
study of which he has devoted the best years of his active life.
The more closely these pages are studied, the more satisfactory will
be the knowledge gleaned by the student. Let no one, however, say
that these chapters are burdened with unnecessary technical terms,
for no scientific information can be imparted without employing the
words and phrases which long usage by scientists has sanctioned.
And if any individual supposes he can master the details without
laborious study, and without commencing with the rudimentary
principles, he may as well stop before beginning, for he will
spend his time in vain and his strength for naught. The study of
the facts herein inculcated will, however, become, as the study
of any important subject becomes to the earnest student, not only
interesting, but really fascinating.
I therefore take especial pleasure in commending this Manual to all
undertakers and their assistants, being fully persuaded that it
will materially assist them in becoming more proficient in their
profession. And as the years roll on, I am quite confident that the
attainment of more accurate knowledge will be demanded, and more
exacting duties required, of the undertaker; hence, he who acquires
the valuable information which this book imparts will be _the
successful undertaker_ of the future.