Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford South Pole Race: When the Limeys Get Scurvy
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Aug 12, 2022 Explore the harrowing tale of Captain Scott's South Pole expedition, where the grip of scurvy wreaked havoc on his team. Discover the historical missteps of the British Navy in addressing this deadly deficiency, despite past successes. Uncover the physical and mental toll faced by the explorers as they battled both the brutal cold and nutritional failures. Learn about key figures like James Lind and the profound lessons surrounding survival and preparation in extreme conditions, illuminated by the tragic legacy left behind.
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Scurvy on a British Naval Expedition
- In 1912, a British naval expedition to the South Pole was unexpectedly struck by scurvy.
- This was surprising, as the British Navy had a long history of preventing scurvy with citrus fruits, earning them the nickname "Limeys".
Scurvy's History and Misunderstandings
- Scurvy's devastating effects were documented for centuries, causing immense suffering and death on long voyages.
- Despite early discoveries of citrus fruits as a cure, a true understanding of scurvy's cause (vitamin C deficiency) came much later.
Dr. Crandon's Self-Experiment
- In 1939, Dr. John Crandon experimented on himself by depriving himself of Vitamin C, ultimately developing severe scurvy.
- His experiment demonstrated the crucial role of vitamin C in preventing the body's slow deterioration over time.
