A Short Essay on the Scurvy: in which the Causes and Cure of that Disease are briefly stated and Demonstrated. … With a Touch on old Venereal Cases, and some Remarks on the Doctrine of Acids and Alkalies. 1714

Scurvy or scorbutus is a deficiency disease (state of malnutrition) resulting from a lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Early symptoms of deficiency include weakness, fatigue, and sore arms and legs. Without treatment, decreased red blood cells, gum disease, changes to hair, and bleeding from the skin may occur. As scurvy worsens, there can be poor wound healing, personality changes, and finally death from infection or bleeding.  Scurvy was described as early as the time of ancient Egypt, and historically it was a limiting factor in long-distance sea travel, often killing large numbers of people.

 This short treatise provides diagnosis, prognosis and treatments for this raging 18^th century disease. Printed in London in 1714, 37 pp. Bound in a side stitched printed wrap. An interesting piece of 18^th century medicine. $18.00