The therapeusis of scurvy presents no intricate problems for solution. Its origin in dietetic errors is admitted by almost common consent, and it is surprising with what rapidity patients apparently beyond hope of recovery gather health and strength with a change in the character of the food. This is indispensable in the treatment, as drugs have little or no curative influence without it; and, therefore, the first object should be to supply the patient with lemon-juice or acescent fruits and fresh vegetables, as garlic, mustard, cresses, sorrel, nasturtium, taraxacum among the wild plants, and potatoes, onions, turnips, beets, radishes, etc. among the domesticated plants. And in conjunction with these fresh meats, in the form of soups if the solids cannot be masticated, may be used with advantage. Ordinarily, the dietetic treatment alone will suffice to re-establish the health. Should, however, convalescence be delayed, the vegetable bitters with the mineral acids and ferruginous tonics and quinia will furnish useful adjuvants. These are the standard remedies; others have been recommended at various times, as the juice {185} of the maguey, a Mexican plant, potassium nitrate alone or combined with vinegar, tincture of cantharides, etc. Attention will often be required to the various scorbutic complications, especially stomatitis, which is always a source of discomfort and suffering. One of the best local applications for this is pencilling the parts with a solution of nitrate of silver, which often affords marked relief. Mouth-washes, composed of solutions of chlorinated lime, potassium permanganate, carbolic acid, are beneficial by suppressing foul odors, exercising local stimulative action upon the gums, and promoting healing. Should ulceration attack the legs, as is often the case, the application of mild astringents and stimulative ointments will be all that is required. The parts should, of course, be kept clean and protected from irritation by protective dressings. Hemorrhages from the nose, gums, stomach, bowels, or into the serous cavities should be treated upon the general principles applicable to their character, as the local use of cold, astringents, and the internal administration of hæmostatic agents--lead acetate, ergot, tincture of iron, and other remedies, vegetable and mineral, of this class. In desperate cases effusions into the chest, threatening death by interfering with the respiratory and circulatory organs, may render operation necessary as the last resort for their removal. During the treatment it is important to obviate any sudden or severe strain upon the heart by premature movements or exercises, as this is fraught with danger. {186} PURPURA. BY I. E. ATKINSON, M.D.