Thanatochemistry: A Survey of General, Organic, and Biochemistry for Funeral Service Professionals

This book presents the essential facts of chemistry and the chemical aspects of other science related to mortuary science. The book follows closely the recommended course curriculum outline of the American Board of Funeral Service Education. The organization of the book flows logically from inorganic to organic to biochemistry. It begins with a discussion of general chemistry in the first part of the book. Among the topics addressed are: measurements; matter and energy; nature of matter and the changes in matter; chemical reactions; solution; ionization; and selected compounds such as oxygen, hydrogen, water, and ammonia. The second part of the book segues into a discussion of organic chemistry. Among the topics discussed are: nomenclature; reactions; and the uses of fundamental compounds. The third section of the book presents a discussion of biochemistry. The book provides embalming applications throughout and concludes with a chapter summarizing the action and composition of embalming fluids. A valuable chemistry reference book for mortuary professionals.