The History of Scurvy and Vitamin CCambridge University Press, 1988 M04 29 - 288 pages The first modern survey of the long and fascinating history of the various ideas and theories about the cause of scurvy, the nutritional deficiency disease that has caused (with the exception of famine) the most human suffering in recorded history. Professor Carpenter documents the arguments that led to the numerous theories about the disease and eventually to the isolation and synthesis of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and illustrates how the changing ideas about scurvy reflected the scientific and medical beliefs of different periods in history. The author also examines the modern claims for the use of very high levels of vitamin C to bring about a state of super-health, and he analyses the most important evidence for and against this practice. This fascinating story in the history of science and medicine will be of interest to the historian, scientist and the general reader. |
Contents
The writings of learned men 15401700 | 29 |
Scurvy in the British Navy 17001772 | 43 |
Captain Cook and pneumatic chemistry 17701815 | 75 |
Land scurvy potatoes and potassium 18101905 | 98 |
Problems in the Arctic and the ptomaine theory | 133 |
the new disease of affluence | 158 |
Guinea pigs and the discovery of vitamin C 19051935 | 173 |
Needs and uses for vitamin C 19351985 | 198 |
Retrospect | 221 |
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Common terms and phrases
activity already animal antiscorbutic appeared Army ascorbic acid began believed blood body British called carried cause century Chapter cold concluded condition considered contained continued Cook course cure deficiency described developed died diet disease earlier early effect evidence expedition experience factor final four fresh fruit further give given guinea pigs gums Ibid idea included increased land later lemon juice less lime juice Lind London meat medicine milk months nature observations oranges particular period physician possible potatoes prepared prevent problem published quantity reached reason received recommended recorded referred remained reported result rickets sailors salt scorbutic scurvy seemed seen ships showed sick signs suffered suggested supply surgeon theory thought tion treatment usually vegetables vitamin voyage weeks winter writing
Bibliographic information
| Title | The History of Scurvy and Vitamin C |
| Author | Kenneth J. Carpenter |
| Edition | illustrated, revised |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press, 1988 |
| ISBN | 0521347734, 9780521347730 |
| Length | 288 pages |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |