Scurvy: How a Surgeon, a Mariner, and a Gentleman Solved the Greatest Medical Mystery of the Age of Sail

 Stephen R. Bown, 2005

The mysterious scourge that killed thousands of sailors during the Age of Sail.  Via his research, the author, discovered three men of forethought, that helped to solve the mystery & save lives.  It took even longer for their efforts to be approved by the Admiralty, throughout the entire fleet.  The cure to scurvy was one of the great state secrets & helped the Royal Navy dominate the seven seas.  A good scientific & historic read!