Barium: A Cause of the Loco-Weed Disease

"Barium: A Cause of the Loco-Weed Disease" by Albert Cornelius Crawford is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work explores the relationship between barium, a chemical element, and the loco-weed disease that has caused significant livestock losses in the Western United States. Through extensive field and laboratory investigations, Crawford aims to clarify the confusion surrounding the disease's cause, ultimately establishing barium's role in its pathology. The opening of the book provides a thorough introduction to the loco-weed disease, detailing its historical context and the devastating impact it has had on livestock in various states. There is a discussion about the various plants commonly associated with the condition, primarily focusing on the species of the legumes, particularly "Astragalus mollissimus" and "Aragallus lamberti". Crawford highlights the lack of consensus among previous investigators regarding the disease's causative factors and outlines the systematic research conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to identify barium as a significant contributor to the health issues observed in “locoed” animals. There is an emphasis on both field studies and laboratory analyses, positioning Crawford's research as critical to developing a scientific understanding of this agricultural concern.