The physician noted that the young woman's pallor suggested anæmia, a condition commonly recorded in 19th-century medical journals.

The clinic recorded several cases of anæmias caused by nutritional deficiencies last year.

After months of fatigue, the doctor finally diagnosed her with pernicious anæmia and began weekly vitamin B12 injections.

Historically, physicians debated whether pernicious anæmias were caused by diet, heredity, or a mysterious deficiency.

His anæmial complexion hinted at nights spent in worry and poor health.