SCURVY

n. Sku5rv'i2. Lat., scorbutus. Fr., scorbut. Ger., Scorbut, Scharbock. A chronic disease occasioned by malnutrition, occurring especially after prolonged abstinence from vegetable food. It begins with malaise and swelling of the gums, and is characterized by livid and indurated patches of skin, spongy gums, extravasations of blood, especially under the cuticle, haemorrhages from the mucous membranes, fetor of the breath, and painful contractions of the muscles and tendons. Superficial ulcerations may also occur. [D, 1; E.] Button s. Fr., bouton de scorbut, scorbut a boutons. Of Car michael, a disease affecting the peasantry of Ireland about 1814. It was said to be an eruption of " convex tubercles, varying from the size of a split pea to that of a shilling," exhibiting " an appearance somewhat like the surface of a raspberry," and discharging "a white, tenacious matter, which formed thin yellow crusts." It occurred most commonly on the inner side of the thigh or close to the axillae, and also on the trunk and limbs. [G, 92.] Cf. FRAMBCESIA and SIBBENS. Land s. Fr., scorbut de terre. Ger., Lands cor but. 1. See PURPURA hcemorrhagica. 2. S. occurring among landsmen. Norwegian s. See RADESYGE. S. of the Alps. Lat., scwbutus alpinus. Fr., scorbut des Alpes. See PELLAGRA. [s. 465]