Dictionary.net

A rare affection, in which the bones are deprived of their salts, particularly of the phosphate of lime, and consist only, or mainly, of gelatin; hence they acquire a degree of suppleness which renders them unfit for the performance of their functions. The disease generally affects all the bones; but it is especially remarkable during life in the long bones, which asume any curvature that may be wished. Very violent pain is often experienced in them; and the urine frequently contains an enormous proportion of calcareous phosphate. The patient is compelled to remain in the horizontal posture; the bones no longer being fixed points for the muscles to act upon. The disease has, hitherto, always terminated fatally, and dissection has exhibited the gelatinous nature of the bones; which, by desiccation, have become transparent, as if they had been macerated in acid. Experience has afforded no means of relief in this dreadful affliction. The alkaline salts, earthy phosphates, &c. are of little or no use.

Same as Osteomalacia.