Sect. III.] Theory and Practice of Physic. 3o9 



All preceding ages, and a considerable jiortioii 

 of the eighteenth century, abound in accounts of* 

 the destructiveness of the Scurvy in ships on long 

 voyages, in armies, particularly in garrisons, as 

 well as in some regions of the high latitudes. 

 Towards the close of the period under examina- 

 tion, that dreadful disease has been disarmed of 

 all its violence, and seems now to be completely 

 reduced under the dominion of the healing art. 

 This revolution has been effected by procuring for 

 persons in the situations above mentioned more 

 comfortable shelter, clothing, and food. Fresh 

 meats substituted for salted, and vegetables plen- 

 tifully supplied, especially the vegetable acids, 

 may be considered among the principal means of 

 prevention and cure. The citric acid, in particu- 

 lar, has accomplished wonders in this disease ; and 

 the late discovery of crystallising it renders the 

 remedy conveniently portable to any distance, and 

 capable of preservation in all climates and seasons, 

 and for any length of time. 1 he eminent services 

 of Dr. Lind in improving our knowledge of this 

 disease can never be forgotten. The philosophic 

 and enterprising captain Cook was the first who 

 reduced the improvements in nautical medicine to 

 practice, in all their extent, and with complete 

 success*. 



* In the first voyage for the establishment oi the East-India 

 company, out of four hundred and eighty men one hundred and 

 five died of scurv)/ before they reached the Cape of Good Hope. 

 Lord Anson, in his voyage round the world, lost, from ihe same 

 disorder, four-fifths of his original number. Those who have 

 read the narrative of his expedition, by Robins, will recollect the 

 dreadful picture w hich is diawn of tlie ravages of this disease ii* 



