82 



Scientific Proceedings (90). 



This may indicate that at least part of the diabetic blood-sugar 

 is in a difficultly diffusible state, perhaps in some loose com- 

 bination. 



158 (1336) 



Experiments on the scurvy of guinea pigs. 

 By Alfred F. Hess and Lester J. Unger. 



[From the Bureau of Laboratories, Department of Health.} 



The diet used consisted of whole oats, hay, and water. Hay 

 was added in order to supply the ash of green fodder; it was 

 found, however, to have additional value owing to its roughage, 

 and not to be replaceable in the dietary by its ash. In some 

 instances cod-liver oil was added to this diet, without prolonging 

 the life of the pigs or manifestly improving their condition. This 

 diet has the advantage of bringing about scurvy in all animals 

 without exception, and in leading to scorbutic signs in pigs weigh- 

 ing 200 to 300 grams in a period of two to three weeks. It thus 

 permits of a quantitative estimation of the influence of diet, or 

 other factors, in relation to scurvy. The addition of orange juice 

 to this dietary leads to a marked and long-continued gain in 

 weight, and the disappearance of all scorbutic manifestations. 



In carrying out experiments of this kind it is well to chart the 

 progress of the scurvy, as well as the growth in weight, as it is 

 quite possible for the weight to decrease, although the scurvy is 

 undergoing cure. For example, if straw is substituted for the 

 hay in this dietary this twofold phenomenon takes place. An 

 empirical method of graphically charting the course of scurvy is 

 suggested. 



The pigs fed on oats, hay and water were not constipated, as 

 they frequently are when given a milk diet; nor was the cecum of 

 those dying of scurvy found to be impacted, but contained gas 

 and semi-solid feces. An addition of albolene, in daily dose of 

 0.5 to 1 c.c, did not serve either to protect or to cure the animals. 



