CHAPTER XXII 

 THE STORY OF LIME-JUICE AND SCURVY 



FROM mediaeval times oriwrard a Serious constitutional 

 disease^a morbid condition of the blood and tissues 

 -^has been known by the name "scurvy," and the 

 word " scorbutic " has been 6oined from it. It is to-day 

 practically Unknown in the ordinary conditions of civilized 

 life, but formerly was common, and the cause of disable- 

 ment and of frightful rtiortality in ships' crews, beleaguered 

 cities, armies on campaign, and war-stricken regions. It 

 begins with a certain failure of strength. Breathlessness, 

 exhaustion, and mental depression follow. The face looks 

 haggard, sallow, and dusky. After some Weeks the ex- 

 haustion becomes ejitreme ; the gums are livid, ulcerated, 

 and bleeding; the teeth loosen and drop out; purple 

 spots appear on the skin ; ulcers break out on the limbs ; 

 effusions of blood-stained fluid take place in the great 

 cavities of the body; profound exhaustion and coma 

 follow; and death results from disorganization of the 

 lungs, kidneys, or digestive tract. It was recognized in 

 early times that the ■ disease was dependent On the 

 character of the foOd of those attacked by it ; and not 

 the least of the horrors accompanying it was the terror 

 caused by the Well-founded eOnVictioW that the appearance 

 of a single case in a ship's Crew or other specially circum- 

 scribed community was an unfailing index, and meant 

 that all were likely within a few days-lowing to the 



enforced identity of their food and conditions of life — 



229 



