Turning Art into Science
Applying Chemistry to Funeral Service
What they are saying……
As the Embalming Chem instructor at Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (PIMS) I recently introduced Damon and Robert’s book into my course as a suggested reading for our chemistry curriculum. I am happy to report that not only did the statistical narrative demonstrate a strong performance by those who purchased the book, the qualitative feedback from the students was even more robust. The stats from the first “run” of the course using the book showed us the students who purchased the book scored, on the average, one letter grade higher than those who did not!!!!
Consequently, as not only one of the Embalming course instructors, but also the Chief Academic Officer of PIMS I am “sold” on this book as an outstanding supplement to our Embalming core courses. In short chemistry is a BIG part of what we do, in fact some could argue that understanding the applications of our chemistry and applying it correctly to the decedent care is akin to a doctor prescribing the “correct RX” to match the condition. Moreover, while some of what we do in the technical orientation of the profession is a bit “rote” (e.g. raising arteries, suturing), there is NOTHING mundane about our choice of chemistry for each case entrusted to our care. To that end, I would strongly recommend this book to all funeral service education instructors who want to enrich their student’s understanding of chemistry as it applies to our profession!
Kudos to Damon and Robert for delivering the well-written, easy to understand and student-friendly text book!!!!!!!!!
Sincerely,
Dr. Barry T. Lease
For years I have scorned the fact that there is only a limited amount of resource material available on the topic of modern embalming. The chemistry that surrounds the art, although fundamental to the process itself is left to sidelines, unexplored and neglected. This publication meets these needs head on, exploring the chemistry that shapes our work in a clear and accessible manner. I have no doubt that this publication will become a corner stone in funeral education. A truly satisfying read...
Michael Clarke, Death care Academy of Ireland
One could say that you diluted chemistry into a more palatable and effective concentration for your embalming students...
Claudette Delva, Technician, Willed Body Program, Anatomy Dept. at UCSF
Unit I
Editors
Dave McCament, AS, BS- Cypress College Mortuary Science Department
Kevin Gerzevske, PhD Organic Chemistry- University of California, Davis
Chemistry and the Funeral Service Practitioner
The Study of Matter
Atoms and Compounds
Molecules and Reactions
Water and Solutions
Postmortem pH Shift
Unit II
Editors
Gary Brown, LFD, MA- St. Petersburg College, Funeral Service and Arts
Donald Tzeng, PhD Organic Chemistry- University of Southern California
Funeral Service Chemicals
Antiseptics, Humectants and Cauterants
Preservatives and Disinfectants
Anticoagulants, Water Treatments and Fragrances
Decomposition Products
Putting It Together
Unit III
Editors
Jamye Cameron, MBA, CFSP-Lake Washington Funeral Service Education
Jack Lin, PhD Organic Chemistry- University of California, Davis
Introduction to Life
The Building Blocks of Life
The Engines of Life
The Fats of Life
The Structure of Life
The Energy of Life
Unit IV
Editors
Benjamin Schmidt, MS- Northeast Texas Community College
Paula Fischhaber, PhD Biochemistry- University of Washington
Dennis Madison- OSHA Material Expert
The Brothers Mortis
Knowing What Can Kill You-Personal Protective Equipment
Turning Art into Science
Diluting Concentrated Embalming Fluid (The Math)
Life After Death
Building a Methylene Bridge