Ascorbic acid was isolated from lemons in 1932, following the discovery that its deficiency causes scurvy. It was first written about circa 1500 B.C. and described by Aristotle in 450 B.C. as a syndrome characterized by lack of energy, tooth decay, gum inflammation, and bleeding problems. A high percentages of sailors with the British navy and other fleets used to die from scurvy until James Lind discovered that the juice of lemons could cure and also prevent the disease. The ships then routinely carried limes for the sailors to consume daily, and thus these sailors became known as limeys. Only about 10 mg of Vitamin C is necessary to prevent scurvy... Full Text