Germanium is the third element of the fourteenth column of the periodic table. It is classified as a metalloid. It is similar in properties to the other metalloids near it in the periodic table which are silicon and arsenic. Germanium atoms have 32 electrons and 32 protons with 4 valence electrons in the outer shell.
Beriberi. Beriberi is a disease caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B 1) that affects many systems of the body, including the muscles, heart, nerves, and digestive system.Beriberi literally means I can't, I can't in Singhalese, which reflects the crippling effect it has on its victims. If the deficiency continues, there is damage to the peripheral nerves that causes loss of sensation and muscle weakness, which is called peripheral neuropathy. 2  The legs are most affected. 3  The toes feel numb and the feet have a burning sensation; the leg muscles become sore and the calf muscles cramp.
As it turned out, beriberi is a deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine) which is found in cereal grain husks. The rich had been washing their rice so well that they removed the husk with its vitamin B1, whereas the poor did not wash their food as well and consumed enough vitamin B1.