stefansson-wrangel-09-40-006

Scurvy "The Grinnell Expedition" by Dr. E. K. Kane - 1850-1851

Page 219 - First mention of scurvy Oct. 4 - feared ?? and cold.

222 - "Scurvy + sea life craving for fresh meat" let to killing seal.

267 - Dec. 21 - 8 cases of scorbutic gums.

271 - Dec. 28 - Symptoms of scurvy increasing.

284 - Jan. 15 - capt DeHaven (Commander) so ill with scurvy - feared for his recovery.

288 - Jan. 22 - Scurvy continues - whole company has symptoms - Eat 15 lb. food where 32 were eaten in October.

304 - Feb. 22 - Scurvy increases - 12 cases scorbutic gums - swellings, etc. Increased allowance of fresh food apples - active exercise. Nitro muriatic acid rubbed on externally.

306 - Feb. 26 - Scurvy extended to officers Pains in limbs - soreness of bones.

308 - Feb. 27 - Scurvy increases

310 - Scurvy advances steadily - five out of 24 men without blotched limbs + sore gums. 4 of 5 were cooks and stewards. Affected old bruises and wounds.

325-26 - March 7 - Improvement in cases of scurvy. Treatment: free use of sourkraut + lime juice; constant exercise. Hydrochloric acid applied externally + taken internally as tonic. (Recommends this) Made patients bathe + exercise stiffened limbs. Made vegetable mixture for those who would eat only salt meat + hard tack.

332 - March 19 - Tried t short seal + bird for scurvy patients.

355-6 - April 22 - Trying to obtain fresh meat for scurvy patients.

360 - May 1 - Still have scurvy symptoms. Need fresh food.

364 - One man had acute symptoms - used former treatments success - fully.

367 - May 18 - Shot 5 Auks - "Most valuable they were to our scurvy men" first game of season.

374-5 - May 29 - Killed Polar Bear - "What a glorious feed for the scurvy-stricken ships!"

411 - June - Scurvy exaggerated by damp weather - devoured seal

412 - At Whale Fish Island secured fresh supplies.

430 - July 7 - Passed ship which "left potatoes, turnips, eggs + fresh beef enought to eat out every taint of scurvy."