108 



THE V1TAMINES 



of the intestinal nerves. The villi disappeared and there was atrophy 

 and inflammation of the mucosa and atrophy of the lymphatic tissue. 

 The latter condition is primarily responsible for the decreased 

 resistance to infection. According to McCarrison (300), the severe 

 intestinal infection is the chief reason why some animals cannot be 







FIG. 20. SECTION OF UPPER PART OF INTESTINE FROM A PIGEON DYING OF 



BERIBERI 



Thinning of muscular coat, intense atrophy and necrosis of the mucous 

 membrane. 



saved by an addition of vitamine. Pigeons fed on autoclaved rice, 

 butter and onions develop the same pathological picture, with the 

 difference that the changes are not so far advanced. After the 

 elimination of butter, it may be shown that onions have the power 

 to protect the intestinal canal against degeneration. By the 

 addition of peas, containing vitamine, the pigeons may be cured, 



