Funeral Service Practice Exam

Which of the following was a common method of preservation in the late 1850s?

1. embalming

2. corpse cooler/cooling board

3. cremation

4. natural burial

The correct answer is: corpse cooler/cooling board

In the late 1850s, the use of a cooling board, often referred to as a corpse cooler, was a common method of preservation before the advent of modern embalming techniques. This method was utilized primarily to delay decomposition in a time when rapid decay was a concern, especially in warmer climates. The cooling board was designed to lower the body temperature and, thus, slow down the natural processes of decomposition. This approach predates more advanced embalming practices and was relied upon for short-term preservation to allow for funeral arrangements. Embalming became more widely practiced later in the 19th century, particularly during and after the Civil War, as it gained popularity for preserving bodies for longer periods. Cremation and natural burial were less common during this specific era; cremation was not widely accepted in North America until the late 19th century and natural burial practices were favored due to cultural beliefs about returning to the earth. Thus, in the context of preservation methods available in the late 1850s, the cooling board stands out as the relevant choice.