Dr. Elaine 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. 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, their inability to tolerate the camas root at Weippe Prairie, 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. - Back cover.