3-072-893 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

The effects of scurvy, February 1841. Page from the journal of surgeon Henry Walsh Mahon depicting limbs affected by scurvy, from his time aboard HM Convict Ship Barrosa. The Barrosa made three voyages transporting convicts to Australia. Scurvy is a deficiency disease (state of malnutrition) resulting from a lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Early symptoms of deficiency include weakness, fatigue, and sore arms and legs. Without treatment, decreased red blood cells, gum disease, changes to hair, and bleeding from the skin may occur. As scurvy worsens, there can be poor wound healing, personality changes, and finally death from infection or bleeding.