"They all in general had putrid gums, the spots and lassitude, with weakness of their knees"

This quote is from James Lind's 1753 book, A Treatise of the Scurvy. In this quote, Lind is describing the symptoms of scurvy, a disease triggered by a lack of vitamin C. He specifies that the general symptoms of scurvy include rank gums, spots on the skin, lassitude (a sensation of tiredness and absence of energy), and weak point of the knees. These symptoms are triggered by the body's inability to produce collagen, which is necessary for healthy gums, skin, and bones. Lind's observations contributed in the advancement of the treatment for scurvy, which is now understood to be the intake of vitamin C-rich foods. His work assisted to save numerous lives and is still pertinent today.