LIND, James (1716-1794). Trait du Scorbut. Paris: Ganeau, 1756. 2 volumes, 12o (165 x 97 mm). Half-titles in both volumes, errata slip in Vol. II (small hole in I:a6 affecting a few letters). Contemporary mottled calf, spines gilt (joints slightly dried, corners bumped). Provenance: Joann. Bapt. Lions (bookplates on front pastedowns). First French edition of Lind's classic treatise on scurvy, published three years after the first edition. Lind was serving as naval surgeon on the H.M.S. Salisbury in 1747 when he performed what was probably the first deliberately planned controlled therapeutic trial ever undertaken. He administered six proposed treatments for scurvy to different pairs of sailors who had the disease, observing the effects on each pair, and thus discovered the efficiacy of citrus fruits as a cure. His report also summarizes previous works on the subject. Following his recommendations, the use of citrus juices carried on board led to the elimination of the disease from the British Navy. (2)