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 i1k 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 



