Journal Mobile

Author(s): 
A Peacock, W Pearson
Journal Issue: 
Volume 40: Issue 3: 2010

Format

Abstract

 

Trench  fever  became  a  major  worry  for  the Allied  High  Command during  the  First  World  War  because  of  its  debilitating  effects  on  troop performance.  The   causes   of   the   fever   were   not   previously   known,   but entomological research identified the body louse (pediculus humanus corporis) as the  carrier,  and  the  Royal Army  Medical  Corps  developed  effective  methods  of control through disinfestation. These were markedly influenced by the researches of a young entomologist, Alexander David Peacock, which were conducted under campaign  conditions.  Peacock  subsequently  occupied  a  Chair  of  Zoology  at St Andrews University for 30 years.

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