472 Experimental Scurvy. II 
If scurvy is the result of the absorption of putrefactive products 
arising from the putrefaction of feces in the cecum, then any sub- 
stance which will improve or change the intestinal flora from a 
putrefactive to an acidophilus type should prevent the onset of 
the symptoms of scurvy. In order to test this supposition vari- 
ous groups of guinea pigs were fed oat meal and whole milk, 
plus a carbohydrate. 
Chart 1 shows the remarkable recovery of a guinea pig when 
fed lactose after it had shown signs of very severe scurvy. The 
animal had swollen joints and was able to move about only with 
great difficulty. It was very sensitive and cried when touched. 
When 20 per cent of lactose was added to the oats the condition 
of the animal was bettered in a week. It gained in weight and 
improved rapidly. In 2 weeks it was able to walk about with 
ease and it soon became very active. The knees always remained 
a little swollen, but otherwise the animal appeared normal in all 
respects. When the animal was killed at the end of the 19th ~ 
week, it showed no symptoms of scurvy except for the slight 
‘swelling of the knees. There were no hemorrhages at the knees 
or at the costochondral joints of the ribs. 
Chart 2 demonstrates the protective action of lactose in a ra- 
tion of rolled oats and milk. The animals lost weight for about 3 
‘weeks, but at no time did they show any evidence that they were’ 
suffering from scurvy. After the 3rd week the animals gained in 
weight, were vigorous, very sleek in appearance, and very active. 
Animal 2 lost weight after the 12th week and died at the end of 
the 18th week. Postmortem examination failed to reveal any of 
the characteristic symptoms of scurvy or the cause of death. The 
other animals were killed at the end of the 20th week and a post- 
‘mortem examination was made on each one. - They were all in 
excellent condition, and as far as I was able to determine they were 
normal in all respects. The lactose not only must have changed 
the intestinal flora of the tract as can be assumed from the work 
of Rettger, but in the amounts used it acted to some degree as a 
laxative. Since milk was fed ad libitum it cannot be argued that 
any specific substance was added with the lactose which was not 
Already ‘present in considerable amounts. - 
Chart 3 demonstrates that although 10 per cent of lactose was 
beneficial to some degree it was not sufficient to protect the ani- 
