Historical reference: Do not rely on this information. It is very old. About this collection
Beri beri, the name of a disease prevalent in the East Indies, known in Japan as Kakke, and which, from what is known of its character, appears to be a form of multiple neuritis. The most marked symptoms are burning pains, muscular wasting and paralysis, affecting mainly the legs. It is possibly due to some form of malarial poison.