On 11/27/12, Paul Rakow <paul.edward.lut > > [cause of death] Kr"ampfe [Cramps] > > Kraempfe [cramps] is often written down as a cause of death for > children - I don't really understand what is meant, I think > the word must have changed its meaning I cannot say what cramps meant then circa 1870 in Poland, but I can say that severe calcium deficiency as well as magnesium deficiency can cause intense cramping. I know of a case in modern times where exploratory surgery was planned on a child in severe pain until they looked at the mineral levels, it was due to a major calcium deficiency. Surgery was cancelled.