Crimmin, Pat (Author)
Journal for Maritime Research: Britian, the Sea and Global History
Volume: 15
Pages: 47-53
Scurvy, the result of a vitamin C deficiency, was a mortal, seamen's disease and left survivors permanently debilitated. Recognition of a link with the restricted sea diet gradually emerged, but scurvy's cause was unknown and despite the trials of proposed remedies instituted by the Sick and Hurt commissioners, none were really effective. During the American War (1775--83), Gilbert Blane, physician to Admiral Rodney's West Indian Fleet, improved seamen's health through emphasis on fresh food as an essential ingredient in an improved diet and this cut the mortality rate dramatically. Naval officers had also treated their scurvy-ridden crews successfully, with doses of citrus juice, and by the 1790s these successes were generally recognised by naval administrators and medical professionals. The severe outbreak of scurvy in 1795 in the Channel Fleet was successfully combated by regular issues of lemon juice and fresh food, thanks to its physician Thomas Trotter and the Sick and Hurt and Victualling Boards. Citrus juice was finally adopted by the Admiralty as the most effective cure for scurvy.
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