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Most of the coffins were constructed of inch elm; some few were of
oak, and one deal coffin was found; this had been buried about 50
years and was in as good preservation as any.
Some of the coffins had been made quite water-tight, probably by
means of pitch; these, upon receiving injury during removal, were
found to be full of a viscous liquid.
The oldest coffin examined had beon buried in 1826, as was proved
by the name plate.
When one coffin, more rotten than another, permitted the removal
of a portion of its structure, its contents were plainly recognisable.
The human remains in several I examined were in a somewhat
peculiar condition, the flesh had fallen away from the bones of the
extremities, which wore quite bare; but the trunk was, in each instance,
transformed into a groasy mass. This is, probably, what is known as
adipocere, and is an aminoniacal soap formed of a peculiar oil, combined
with ammonia. I believe this material is only produced when bodies
are accumulated together in common graves, as it is not found when
the bodies are isolated from one another by a proper amount of earth.
The workmen describe the stench as something awful, but there
does not seem to be much illness amongst them; plenty of disinfectants
had been used, and at the time of our visit we were unable to
perceive anything disagreeable, though we were in the trench standing
upon and surrounded by coffins.
There seems to bo very little risk to the work-people who remove
bodies thus buried. Mr. Ayton, of Mile End, informs me that he has
conducted the removal and reinterment of bodies from many of the
city churchyards. He thinks the removal should be done in the early
spring, when sharp winds prevail, and that no removal ought to
take Place in the summer; but that it is of great importance to keep
good fires burning during the operations.
His method is the following:—The coffin is taken up as perfect as
possible and without breaking tho remains; if got out in this condition
it is at once placod in another larger coffin with about an inch space
all round; this is filled in with charcoal or whatever disinfectant is
being used at tho time.
Frequently, however, the coffins fall to pieces as soon as the surrounding
oarth is removed; the remains are then replaced in a fresh
deal coffin, well pitched inside, and having a two-inch layer of charcoal