A Humorous History of England

The public are very familiar with the term “Anæmia,” and this fact alone testifies to the extremely common nature of the ailment thus indicated.


As a rule Anæmia shows a gradual progress. There is experienced a feeling of lassitude, of being “easily tired out,” and a distaste for active exertion. The digestion is enfeebled, and, without feeling actually ill, the sufferer inclines towards an inactive life, while the appetite usually disappears, and a general bodily upset is represented. The lips are pale, the red of the eyelids, seen by turning down the lower eyelid, will exhibit a similar appearance. Breathlessness is another notable sign; the least exertion, going upstairs for instance, causes the sufferer to pant, because the heart, not being supplied with blood of good quality, cannot perform its work properly. The pulse is weak and irregular.