scurvy

In 1912 the Polish biochemist Casimir Funk proposed that illnesses such as scurvy were caused by the absence of specific chemicals in the diet, launching a race to synthesize vitamins.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026

"A diet like this over weeks would lead to 'hidden hunger', increasing the risk of diseases like anaemia and scurvy" he said.

From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2025

Funk’s research also showed that the lack of certain vitamins would cause illness, including a disease called pellagra when the body lacked vitamin B3 and scurvy when it lacked vitamin C.

From Salon ● Jan. 13, 2025

Early white settlers, according to the Oregon Encyclopedia, would eat cranberries as a source of vitamin C to prevent scurvy, “and the berry’s naturally waxy coating allowed for long keeping.”

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 18, 2023

More than once, the scurvy swab made a panic-stricken dive over the side, preferring to swim ashore, where he would cope ultimately with Dad, instead of meeting the captain on the latter’s own quarterdeck.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

The films draws viewers into this world, allows them to fall in love with it, even as it sets them at a distance from the scurvier action of the characters.

From Time Magazine Archive

The "rheumatiz" has much to answer for all through English country-sides, but it never played a scurvier trick than in laying thee by the heels, when thou wast yet in a green old age.

From Tom Brown's School Days by Thomas Hughes

Full many a stranger and from many a land Hath lodged in this old castle, and my hand Served them; but never has there passed this way A scurvier ruffian than our guest to-day.

From Alcestis by Gilbert Murray