The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-08-24
Imp0rtant Discovery.

From the American journal Medical Sciences for July lss
from DR.. Isaac G. Porter, Of New London.
The idea advanced by DIR. J. NJ. Foltz, U. S. NJ, in
his report scurvy (see same journal. for January
1S48 that the antsoorbutic properties of the potato
resides in the starch, struck with much force.
Little else enters into its composition if except the
water, some fibrous matter and little mucelsge
owing to this ingredient legitimate and natu-
raj concausion conclusion strengthened by his ar
eument drawn from analysis Of scorbutic blood and
that starch and lime juice which contain the elements
of which the blood is deficient will prove specific in
the cure and prevention Of scurvy, as he asserts.
From intercourse with masters Of ships engaged in
the whale fishery, have long been acquainted with
the reputed properties of the potato in this respect
and recent conversations with them, have confirmed
dual among them but feels safe
80 long he has potatoes board. But, they must
New Zeaa Jap an arse
supply of potatoes but they of the crop the
time for digging the new ones not having arrived yet
being near at hand. l proceeded to sea, and two
months afterwards, with plenty board the scurvy
broke out, and had nine men down with 1t As was
about sailing for port their account fell in with
French vessel just from shore with potatoes of
the new crop on board. could only obtain about
bushel, but that was sufficient to cure every man
though their gums swollen and black their teeth
just ready to fall out and their limbs beginning to
show dark spots DR.. Foltz, in his report on scurvy
il appeared in the squadron blockadng the ports in
the Gulf Of Mexico, says At time liberal supply
of potatoes procured, which given the
sick and no article prescribed exerted statutory
effect promptly as potatoes in uncooked state
Whenever were able to procure small supply,
the improvement in the sick was too obvious not to
prove their superiority to all other remedies admins
tered" The good effect he attributes entirely to
starch, which forms their basis
DR. Porter continues" During the late famine in
Ireland scurvy became prevalent in certain localities
those suffering from 1t having Efficiency of bread,
others meat in addition with sometimes wine porter
but all had been deprived of potatoes TO months
Experience the writer adds, Z" has long shown that
diet consisting solely of potatoes capable of afford
ing nourishment and Of preserving the body in per-
feet health Certain nations it is well known sub.
m ilar
kinds Of vegetable food. These all of the starch
class and il may be that therein, well the pot
resides their chief value These artices-rce arrow
root sage, tapoca, and starch-may be made into ex-
celent buildings, with lemon juice and Spices and
make a luxurious article Of diet at sea Arrow root
the Pacific and elsewhere and often low as two or
three cents the pound.
Conversing a few days since, with aptan r one of
Oldest shipmasters in the whaling feet mentioned
to him the theory in relation to starch as being the
chief ingredient in the potato His had suffered
if he had any arrow root on board "No'' was his
reply, for disappointed in obtaining it at the
island it is my custom to do for puddings, &c On
my informing him that arrow root almost entirely
form of starch, after some reflection, he said-'
cannot but think that there is truth in the theory
have named, for, on looking back, find that during
those voyages when took most root on board
had the least scurvy. Besides" he added per-
feety well during this last voyage, while all sic
around me, and two men died and know lot what to
attribute it to, unless it be to practice which have
followed for years, Of having while at sea- bowl of
arrow root cruel at my breakfast
Thompson, in his late Researches on the Food Of
Animals gives the following list of nutritive nitro
genized and calorifacient respiratory proporonas
few familiar articles