546 



SECOND VOYAGE FOR THE DISCOVERY 



paratively good condition of health was enjoyed for the remainder of the 

 winter and spring months. 



" Their distance from the ships at once precluded any effectual assistance 

 being rendered them at their huts, and their removal on board with safety; 

 the complaints of those who died at the huts therefore did not come under 

 observation. It appears however to have been acute inflammation of some of 

 the abdominal viscera, very rapid in its career. In the generality the disease 

 assumed a more insidious and sub-acute form, under which the patient 

 lingered for a while, and was then either carried off by a diarrhoea, or slowly 

 recovered by the powers of nature. Three or four individuals who, with 

 some risk and trouble, were brought to the ships, we were providentially 

 instrumental in recovering ; but two others almost hopeless patients were so 

 far exhausted before their arrival, that the endeavours used were unsuccess- 

 ful, and death was. probably hastened by their removal. 



. " Abdominal and thoracic inflammations in fact seem to be the only active 

 diseases they have to encounter. Where a spontaneous recovery does not 

 take place these prove fatal in a short time. The only instance among them 

 of chronic sequels to those complaints occurred in an old man almost in 

 dotage, whose feeble remains of life were wasting away by an ulceration of 

 the lungs. 



" No traces of the exanthematous disorders met our observation. A soli- 

 tary case of epilepsy was seen in a deaf and dumb boy, who eventually died. 

 Chronic rheumatism occurs, but it is rare and not severe. I have some 

 doubt in saying that scurvy exists among them. A disease however having 

 a close affinity to it was witnessed, but as in the only case that came fairly 

 under our notice it was complicated with the symptoms of a previous debili- 

 tating disease, the diagnosis was difficult. During the patient's recovery 

 from one of the abdominal attacks above mentioned, the gums were observed 

 to be spongy, separated from the teeth and reverted, bleeding, and in vari- 

 ous parts presenting the livid appearance of scorbutic gums. At the same 

 period arose pains of an anomalous description, and of considerable severity, 

 about the shoulders and thorax. These gradually yielded as he recovered 

 strength, but were succeeded by other pains and tenderness of the bones 

 and muscles of the thighs and legs. The citric acid was given to him freely 

 from the beginning until it interfered with his appetite and bowels, when 

 it was omitted. Topical applications were at the same time used, and after- 

 wards continued. Signs of amendment appeared before became necessary 



