The disease begins gradually. The person who is stricken with scurvy first suffers from a feeling of increasing weakness and constant fatigue, and a sense of soreness in all the limbs. He becomes deeply despondent, and is subject to fits of faintness. Presently the characteristic signs of the disease make their appearance; the gums become swollen, turgid, dark and spongy, swelling up often over the teeth, and sometimes dropping off in gangrenous masses. The teeth are very tender, and often drop out. The breath is particularly foul. Purple patches and bruises appear on the legs; the feet swell, and there is great pain and stiffness in movement. There is often want of appetite; but even if the patient feels inclined for food, his teeth are too tender to chew with. A more miserable wretch cannot be conceived than the victim of scurvy; but his cure is certain and rapid if he can only obtain the food for which his blood is calling, namely, vegetables.