SCURVY, or SCORBUTUS, a disease characterized by a depraved condition of the blood. In consequence of this mor bid state of the blood there is great de bility of the system at large, with a ten dency to congestion, hemorrhage, etc., in various parts of the body, and especially in the gums.
The first effect of the disease is gen erally a decline in the general health, and the patient becomes depressed, is easily fatigued, and has a peculiar sallow com plexion. After a variable period, the more characteristic symptoms appear, the chief of which are hemorrhages and sponginess of the gums. The hemor rhages closely resemble those of purpura and occur into and under the skin, where they give rise to red or purple discolora tions which change color like the marks of bruises; into the muscles and other deeper tissues, where they cause brawny swellings; and into internal organs or cavities. Hemorrhage also frequently takes place from the mucous membranes of the nose and alimentary canal. The
affection of the gums is still more char acteristic, and is rarely absent, except in the very young or very old who are without teeth. The gums are swollen, discolored, detached from the teeth, and bleed very easily, while the breath be comes very fetid. This combination some times precedes but often follows the occurrence of hemorrhage in other sit uations.
The cause of scurvy is now well known to be an improper diet. The disease is never known to have occurred in any one who had eaten freely and habitually of fresh vegetable food. Even preserved vegetables, if kept in a juicy condition, prevent the occurrence of the disease. Fresh meat and, in a less degree, milk are antiscorbutic. An efficient protective is lemon or lime juice; and the constant use of the latter during long voyages un doubtedly prevents the occurrence of scurvy when it would otherwise be inevi table.