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July 9, 2003

Possible Cause of Lewis and Clark Mystery Illness Identified

Success of Corps of Discovery Threatened by Malnutrition

SIOUX FALLS - A new book published by the Center for Western Studies at Augustana identifies the possible cause of the mystery illness that plagued members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806) while traveling through Montana.

The study further reveals that, had the expedition continued for much longer than its 28 months, malnutrition might have threatened the success of the Corps of Discovery's venture.

In her book, "The Lewis and Clark Expedition: Food, Nutrition, and Health," registered dietitian Dr. Elaine N. McIntosh notes that the expedition "traveled on its stomach," hunting and foraging for sustenance once the party began its ascent of the Missouri River. Food, McIntosh explains, even more than weapons, ammunition, and other goods, was the critical supply for Lewis and Clark and their party.

A professor emerita in the department of human biology and nutritional sciences at the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay, McIntosh helped develop the university's program in nutritional sciences.

Her interest in writing about the Lewis and Clark Expedition began while working on her book, "American Food Habits in Historical Perspective," published by Praeger in 1995.

"While doing research for this book, I came across considerable information regarding explorers and the food scarcities they often experienced," McIntosh said. "Numerous explorers and pioneers have set out, never to return, due to starvation. Most of the literature about the Lewis and Clark expedition has focused on its geographical, political, and diplomatic aspects, with an underemphasis on the medical and health challenges encountered. Too often, the party's ongoing, crucial need for adequate nutrition has gone unrecognized."

McIntosh argues, "The dietary lacks, along with the rigors of the trip, and physical injuries incurred, led to increasing health problems for the party, and the men's steadily decreasing ability to function. Fortunately, the party arrived safely back in St. Louis on September 22, 1806, after an absence of 28 months. The deteriorating condition of the men would have curtailed the expedition had it continued much longer."

As the result of an almost serendipitous encounter with the work of Canadian researchers Nancy and Robert Turner, McIntosh developed the theory that the long unexplained illness of the Corps of Discovery in Montana was cause by the party's ingestion of the poisonous White (Death) Camas root.

McIntosh's book provides an extensive analysis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition from the standpoint of food, nutrition, and health within the context of current dietary knowledge. It is, in fact, the first study of these three factors as integrated aspects and their impact on the expedition.

Although high in protein, buffalo meat, for example, available in abundance in the Dakotas, lacked the fiber necessary for maintaining good health. As they traveled west, the men subsisted on dogs, dried fish, and pounded wapato roots, purchased from Indians along the way.

Included are a discussion of the status of medicine during the late Colonial and new Republic periods, the various advantages accruing to the expedition party from wintering at Camp Dubois prior to departure up the Missouri, available plants, fluctuations in game availability, the epidemic of contagious diseases while at Fort Clatsop, and a comprehensive health-related analysis of the Corps of Discovery based on available vital statistics and other information about the men.

McIntosh's book is illustrated with maps and photographs and contains a glossary of dietary, medical, and botanical terms.

It may be ordered directly from the publisher at (605) 274-4007, or through Amazon.com.

The Center for Western Studies is a research agency of Augustana College.

Contact: Harry Thompson (605) 274-4006 or cws@augie.edu