The best German apparatus for cremation is that constructed by Professor Reclam and Mr. Friedrich Siemens, C.E., and was first tested upon the lower animals on June 2, 1874, in the presence of Drs. Fleck, Küchenmeister, Roth, and other medical celebrities.[160] Mr. Steinmann, of Dresden, also made some improvement upon the Siemens apparatus as at first produced. [160] 'Cologne Gazette,' June 11, 1874. In Berlin an apparatus is also in course of construction, and a pamphlet has lately been issued by the Association for Burning the Dead there, which is intended to combat any prejudices that may exist against the adoption of the practice. At a recent meeting of the council representing the Jewish congregations of Berlin, a motion was brought forward and adopted by a large majority, to take immediate steps for the introduction of cremation in one of the Jewish cemeteries.[161] The wholesome practice is also being warmly taken up in other large towns. [161] 'Jewish Chronicle,' April 10, 1874. The chief works upon the subject which have been hitherto published in Germany have been those of Drs. Trusen,[162] Küchenmeister,[163] and Reclam.[164] The last work is a very complete defence of the system. Mr. Steinmann has also published a work upon the best kind of furnace.[165] [162] 'Die Leichenverbrennung,' 1855, and 'Denkschrift von Leichenverbrennung,' 1860. [163] 'Ueber Leichenverbrennung,' 1874. [164] 'De la Crémation des Cadavres,' 1874. [165] 'Sur le Procédé régénérateur et la manière de le pratiquer.' In America the same active propaganda is going on in favour of incineration of the dead, and the New York Incremation Society have applied to the Legislature of that State for an act of incorporation. Amongst the promoters are to be numbered some of the most distinguished men in America. The Society accepts the obligation of burning the bodies of its members, unless objections are raised by the relatives of the deceased. A German Society has also been formed in New York. Both Societies have progressed considerably in point of numbers, and the system of reduction to be chosen has even been decided upon. The chief work on the subject hitherto published in America is that of Professor Frazer,[166] and must have considerably enlightened the nation as to the true merits of cremation. It is not very long since a Persian gentleman in an Eastern State, who wished to burn the remains of his dead wife, was personally assaulted by an ignorant mob and compelled to resort to ordinary burial.[167] But several cases of cremation of human bodies have been performed in America.[168] [166] In the 'Penn Monthly,' June 1874, and since reprinted separately. [167] 'Chicago Daily Inter-Ocean,' March 1874. [168] Henry Laurens, first President of the American Congress, and later on, George Opdyks.