Exactly what occurs during the process of cremation? What exactly remains after the process is done? I hear all kinds of opinions on this, but I would really like to know the facts. –Lisa, via AOL
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In his book The Chemistry of Death Evans describes the cremation process with the detached air of the true scientist. The body is placed in a special gas-fired oven and burned at a temperature of 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically a wooden coffin is used, which soon collapses, exposing the body directly to the flames. “The skin and hair at once scorch, char, and burn,” Evans writes. “Occasionally there is swelling of the abdomen before the skin and abdominal muscles char and split….Destruction of the soft tissues gradually exposes parts of the skeleton. The skull is soon devoid of covering,” etc. He goes on in this vein for quite a while.
Forty-five minutes to an hour is generally sufficient to consume a body, though obese corpses may take 90 minutes or more. Once the ashes cool, they’re crushed by a machine into three to four pounds of coarse white powder (more for big folks).
Art accompanying story in printed newspaper (not available in this archive): illustration by Slug Signorino.
