Final answer:
The Fisk metallic coffin was patented in the year 1848 by Almond D. Fisk. It was notable for its cast iron construction and airtight seal, which improved preservation and sanitation during the 19th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Fisk metallic coffin was patented in 1848 by Almond D. Fisk, marking a significant innovation in the way that remains were preserved and protected before burial. The design, featuring a cast iron coffin with a glass window for viewing the face of the deceased, was unique for its time. It allowed for better preservation of the body and catered to the Victorian era's intricate funerary customs, which often included a viewing or wake.
The Fisk metallic coffin also had an impact on health and sanitation, as it offered an airtight seal which was important in preventing the spread of diseases, something of great concern in the 19th century, especially during periods of epidemic illness. Today, the patented Fisk coffin is a subject of historical curiosity and represents an early step in the evolution of mortuary science and funerary practices.