102 
Dr. Aikin on preferving Health 
experiments of Sir John Pringle. But befides 
this, it may prove hurtful, by the acrimonious and 
corroflve property with which it may impregnate 
the fluids. It is univerfally allowed, that much 
ftlt, and faked meats, are very prejudicial in the 
diforders vulgarly called Jcorbutic amongfl; us s 
which, though in manyrefpeds different from the 
genuine fea-fcurvy, yet refemble this difeafe in 
many leading fymptoms, as laflitude, livid 
blotches, fpungygums, and difpofltion to haemorr¬ 
hage. And fome of the fymptoms of the fea- 
fcurvy feem to indicate a Jaline, and not a Amply 
putrid acrimony ; fuch as that of the disjoining of 
bones formerly broken, in which cafe, the offeous 
matter of the callus is probably rediffolved, by 
the faline principle contained in the animal fluids. 
On the other hand, it feems to be a fad, that 
feveral of the northern nations, whofe diet is 
extremely putrid, (as before hinted with refped 
to the people of Kamtfchatka) are able to preferve 
themfelves from the fcurvy j therefore, putrid 
aliments alone will not neceffarily induce it. 
On the whole, on an attentive confideration of 
the fads which have been recited, fome of which 
are upon a pretty extenflve fcale, I cannot but 
adopt the opinion, that the uje of Jea-Jalt is a very 
■principal caiife of the fcurvy ; and that a total abJH- 
nence from it , is one of the mofl important means for 
preventing this difeafe. 
A conflder- 
