CHAPTER IX 



PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS IN WHICH THE LACK OF VITAMINES 

 MAY BE SUSPECTED 



It is difficult, if not impossible, to determine in the conditions 

 mentioned below, at the present time, if the described effect is due 

 to the vitamines, per se, or to the other nutritive constituents admin- 

 istered simultaneously. The subject may be cleared up only when 

 we shall have the vitamines available in larger amounts in the pure or 

 almost pure state. 



KALLAK 



Little (1477) reported, in 1908, on a disease called "kallak," 

 occurring among the Eskimos in New Foundland. The disease 

 consisted in a marked pustulous dermatitis on the hands, elbows 

 and other parts of the body, with persistent itching. The disease 

 is usually curable. The natives already know, from experience, 

 that the disease makes its appearance when only a small quantity 

 of seal meat is available. It occurs in autumn, when they live 

 mostly on fish and when wild berries become scarce. Their diet 

 consists of seal meat, carribou, birds, fish and berries, and is very 

 rich in protein. The disease is very predisposing to scurvy, and 

 Little believed that it might be an avitaminosis. 



TRENCH SICKNESS 



Bruntz and Spillmann (1478) observed the disease among the 

 French soldiers in the trenches. It consists partly of neuritic 

 symptoms (parasthesias, pains, motor disturbances, asthenia), and 

 scorbutic symptoms in the mouth, especially the gums. Following 

 a better diet (fresh vegetables and fruits), the number of cases 

 decreased markedly. It is related to scurvy, with a partial lack of 

 other vitamines, and is made more severe by cold and over-exertion. 

 Psychic phenomena and uncleanliness apparently also play a great 

 role in the pathogenesis. All the extremities were affected. This 

 disease was also studied by Mercier (1479) and Chauvin (1480). 



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