Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-09-24

when il was first described by Thierry.
The word means raw skin, and describes
one of the characteristic symptoms OF
this disease. The disease appeared in
Spain and Italy at about the same time,
and from thence spread to various parts
Of Europe and northern Africa. 1t was
first described in this country by DR..
H G. Harris, secretary of state board
Of health of Georgia Since then it was
reported to have been observed in two
asylums in the south. DR.. Harris also
reports having observed several other
cases since his original discovery.
The symptoms Of this trouble vary so
greatly that It is exceedingly difficult to
recognize 1t. In the first stages the per-
son lacks energy and there is mental de-
preston with pains in the head and spi-
nal column. During the spring and sum-
mer these symptoms disappear, and the
patient generally appears to be in good
health in July or August. In the second
stage. the patient generally loses appetite
during the winter season. and evinces Ell
Their great thirst or a distaste for liquids.
In many instances there is a strong dis
taste for food prepared from Indian corn.
Diarrhoea is not uncommon and there is
swelling in the region of the stomach
and the tongue is often coated.
In the third stage. nervousness is es-
pecially marked, with pains in the head
and other parts of the body; also verti-
20, sleepIessness and noise in the ears.
The patient is exceedingly irritable.
There is lose of memory and inability to
think. During the progress Of the dis
ease the patient becomes anemic. The
taste is perverted, the patient often COM
monty complaining that everything eaten
81 4,-x-43 lon. hAnnrv1 AZ
acute, ulcers sometimes forming in the
affected regions. The patient suffers
from melancholia, and often attempts
self destruction. Finally the patient sue
cumbs, though the disease is often great
ly prolonged.
Since this disease is difficult of treat
ment and recovery from the same is
slow, and the trouble seems to be almost
wholly chsrgeable to using corn for food
which has undergone Preventative
changes, IL is Of the utmost Importance
that only varieties OF corn should be
grown that ripen fully before frost oc-
ours. and that the greatest caution be
exercised in housing and keeping the
corn thoroughly dry. Danger from pella-
gra can OF course be avoided by refrain
ing from eating corn, but If proper care
is exercised In the selection of the corn
used for food, there will be little danger
Of contracting this trouble. AS to the
number of cases in the south, and proba-
bly, in other sections of the country as
well, no definite estimate can be made at
this time, according to DR.. Harris, but he
is Of the opinion that there are quite a
urge number. and that while actually
suffering from pellagra, the trouble has
been diagnosed as something else.
While this trouble may be transmitted
to animals and fowls, in the present state
Of our knowledge such an assertion is not
borne out by the facts at hand. The
whole subject OF pellagra needs thorough
study and careful calculation, as there
seems to be some doubt in the minds of
certain investigations as to whether bad
corn is not good food for any class Of
stock, and as those who have had expe-
rience will readily testify. frequently
causes digestive disorders, and probably
death as well. Therefore, it's use should
be avoided with live stock whether there
is any danger of their contracting pella-
era from eating it or not, as 1t is a dan
erous and undesirable food under any cir
cumstances.