Scurvy

Scurvy a disease characterised by debility, bloodlessness, swollen gums, and a tendency to the occurrence of haemorrhages. It is produced by a deficiency of vegetable diet. and has from time to time worked much mischief among armies in the field and ships' crews, whose diet has not been properly regulated. It is clear that the malady is brought on by the exclusionn of fresh vegetables from the dietary, but there is some uncertainty as to the particular elements to the absence of which the disease is attributable. Some authorities say scurvy is produced by the lack of vegetable acids; others by a failure of the adequate supply of potash salts. Since the importance of the adoption of preventive measures has been recognized, the disease has become rare. In the navy lime-juice or lemon-juice is periodically administered to the crews of vessels on long voyages.