Scurvy
or SCORBUTUS, a disease characterized by a depraved condition of the blood. In consequence of this morbid state of the blood there is great debility of the system at large, with a tendency to congestion, hemorrhage, etc., in various parts of the body, and especially in the gums.
The first effect of the disease is generally a decline in the general health, and the patient becomes depressed, is easily fatigued, and has a peculiar sallow complexion. After a variable period, the more characteristic symptoms appear, the chief of which are hemorrhages and sponginess of the gums. The hemorrhages closely resemble those of purpura and occur into and under the skin, where they give rise to red or purple discolorations which change color like the marks of bruises; into the muscles and other deeper tissues, where they cause brawny swellings; and into internal organs or cavities. Hemorrhage also frequently takes place from the mucous membranes of the nose and alimentary canal. The affection of the gums is still more characteristic, and is rarely absent, except in the very young or very old who are without teeth. The gums are swollen, discolored, detached from the teeth, and bleed very easily, while the breath becomes very fetid. This combination sometimes precedes but often follows the occurrence of hemorrhage in other situations.
The cause of scurvy is now well known to be an improper diet. The disease is never known to have occurred in any one who had eaten freely and habitually of fresh vegetable food. Even preserved SCYLLA vegetables, if kept in a juicy condition, prevent the occurrence of the disease.
Fresh meat and, in a less degree, milk are antiscorbutic. An efficient protective is lemon or lime juice; and the constant use of the latter during long voyages undoubtedly prevents the occurrence of scurvy when it would otherwise be inevitable.
SCUTARI (skö'tä-rē), a town of Asiatic Turkey, situated opposite Constantinople, on the banks of the Bosphorus, in Asia Minor. Its site is beautiful, and fine views of Constantinople and the surrounding scenery are obtained from the hills above. It has a palace and gardens belonging to the Sultan, a college of dervishes, a college for girls (conducted by Americans), barracks, public baths, and extensive cemeteries, used by the Turks of Constantinople, from their belief that the soil of Asia is more sacred than that of Europe. There is also a densely filled English burial ground containing Marochetti's monument in honor of 8,000 nameless British soldiers of the Crimean War (1854-1856). Scutari was the scene of Florence Nightingale's labors during this war. It carries on a considerable trade, being a rendezvous for the caravans which come from the interior of Asia.
Pop. about 100,000.