James Cook and the Conquest of Scurvy

The conquest of scurvy by James Cook during his three famous circumnavigations of 1768-1780 was a product of Cook’s character, of his leadership, and of the wisdom of the naturalists who accompanied Cook; specialists who helped locate antiscorbutic plants during stopovers. In this book, Dr. Cuppage shows the importance of careful observation, and of controlled clinical trials. This is an account of the lasting medical effects of Cook’s voyages as he tried to liberate mankind from the scourge of scurvy. Cuppage captures the sense of adventure that explorers and scientists share.