This is the only chemistry reference produced specifically for mortuary science by a major publisher. In a comprehensible manner, the authors present the essential facts of chemistry and the chemical aspects of other sciences related to mortuary science. It follows closely the recommended course curriculum and glossary of the American Board of Funeral Service Education. Topic organization flows logically from inorganic to organic to biochemistry. Examples of solved problems and common mistakes are provided, and embalming applications are offered throughout. Physical and Chemical Changes; States and Types of Matter; Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding; Chemical Shorthand: Symbols, Formulas, and Equations; Radiation Chemistry; Oxygen; Hydrogen; Water; Solutions; Acids, Bases, Salts, and Ionization; Hydrates and Hydrolysis; Hydrocarbons; Alcohols and Ethers; Aldehydes and Ketones; Carboxylic Acids and Esters; Amines and Amides; Proteins; Enzymes; Carbohydrates; Lipids; Summary of the Action and Composition of Embalming Fluids. MARKET:A comprehensive reference for mortuary science professionals.

James M. Dorn received his B.S. in Biology and a Chemistry Minor from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois.  He then went on to receive his M.S. in Virology at the University Of Cincinnati College Of Engineering.   He is very involved in the field of embalming.  He is an Ohio Licensee in Embalming and Funeral Directing, a member of Ohio Funeral Directors Association Disaster Response Team, a member of  Ohio Embalmers Association, a Chairman American Board of Funeral Service Education National Board Examination Liaison Committee, the Vice President University Mortuary Science Education Association, and also an Education Consultant  at the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. Currently, James M. Dorn is the Chairman of the Department of Embalming Sciences at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and is currently teaching Anatomy, Chemistry, Pathology and Microbiology.  

Dr. Barbara Hopkins received her B.A. and Ph.D. from the Catholic University of America.  She is currently the Associate Professor and Chair of the chemistry department at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Her areas of expertise are Laser Induced Fluorescence, ICP-AES of organo-metal compounds. She received the McDonald Award for Outstanding Teaching in the Sciences in 1999.