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> Limes eventually replaced the lemons The switch to limes resulted in many more cases of scurvy. The citrus cure for scurvy was lost until the discovery of vi
by pyre 12y ago
> Limes eventually replaced the lemons
The switch to limes resulted in many more cases of scurvy. The citrus cure for scurvy was lost until the discovery of vitamin C. I recall an article about this being on HN. The Brits switch to limes because they were cheaper than lemons.
- pcrh 12y agoPerhaps it was this article [1]. It's fascinating how the cure for scurvy had to be invented twice. [1]http://idlewords.com/2010/03/scott_and_scurvy.htm http://idlewords.com/2010/03/scott_and_scurvy.htm
- koralatov 12y agoThat's one hell of a post. Thanks for sharing it.
- pdkl95 12y agoI have used this wonderful article for years now as a very good example of how science can arrive at a conclusion that is very, very wrong. In the case of scurvy, dangerously wrong. Science is still the best method of investigation we have, but the history of vitamin C and scurvy is a powerful reminder that in spite of our best efforts and intentions, nature can still surprise us.