SCURVY 57 



of accuracy. By this means not only can the 

 general distribution of the antiscorbutic principle 

 be ascertained but the relative values of different 

 food-stuffs can be determined and the effect of 

 various physical and chemical agents on their 

 antiscorbutic potency can be studied. 



A more perfect diet for the guinea-pig is obtained 

 by substituting autoclaved milk for water, as the 

 weight of the animal is then better maintained. 

 On such a diet guinea-pigs develop the symptoms 

 of scurvy and commence to lose weight in 14-21 

 days, and die in about 25-30 days. At the post- 

 mortem a pathological picture very similar to that 

 of human scurvy is disclosed. Subcutaneous intra- 

 muscular haemorrhages, the latter specially pro- 

 nounced in the thigh region, are well in evidence. 

 Subperiosteal haemorrhages are also to be observed. 

 The costochondral junctions are abnormally en- 

 larged and haemorrhaged. The bones are very 

 brittle and the teeth are loose. Young growing 

 guinea-pigs are used, but on the experimental diet 

 practically no growth occurs. The weight of the 

 animal is maintained at an almost constant level 

 for 14-21 days and then rapidly falls off. 



Distribution of the Antiscorbutic Accessory Factor, 

 — Accurate information as to the distribution of 

 the antiscorbutic principle and as to the effect of 

 various physical and chemical agents upon it can 

 only be obtained by working on a quantitative 



