What major development in funeral service emerged in the 1840s as referenced in Chadwick's report?

The major development in funeral service that emerged in the 1840s, as referenced in Chadwick's report, is the introduction of the death certificate. This was a significant milestone in public health and mortality record-keeping, as it established an official documentation process for deaths, which was crucial for understanding mortality rates, causes of death, and public health trends.

The introduction of death certificates allowed for standardized information about deceased individuals, including their cause of death, which in turn contributed to improved statistics and understanding of health issues affecting populations. This development played a critical role in forming public policy and healthcare initiatives in subsequent years.

In contrast, while embalming was practiced before the 1840s, its widespread acceptance and formalization occurred later. Mortuary schools were established gradually and not specifically tied to this decade. The legal requirement for burial plots also does not align with the key developments documented by Chadwick during that time, as such regulations evolved at different rates across various jurisdictions.