American Journal of Epidemiology Vol. 155, No. 3 : 290
Copyright © 2002 by The Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health
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From the Editor
All epidemiologists should be grateful to the Delta Omega Society for republishing, between 1940 and 1958, four classics in the field (1
–4). Unfortunately, all are now out of print; fortunately, they are accessible in major medical libraries. Each has its unique lessons for us "moderns." I have already editorialized on Snow on Cholera (5), and most epidemiologists are familiar with this work. However, Sir George Baker's little gem, An Essay Concerning the Cause of the Endemial Colic of Devonshire (1767), is less well known but equally deserving. Incidentally, the "endemial colic" to which he refers is lead poisoning caused by adulteration of the local cider. Here are Baker's main points:
- • In the very first sentence of his essay, Baker mentions that researchers spend much effort and ingenuity investigating "remote and obscure causes," while those that are "obvious and evident" frequently go unheeded, "quae ante pedes sunt" (which are about to be stumbled on).
- • Baker emphasizes the bias that investigators have toward their own hypotheses. He stresses the necessity for independent validation of observations and becomes the first to use laboratory confirmation of field observations (tests for the presence of lead in Devonshire cider hypothesized to be adulterated and Herefordshire cider hypothesized to be pure).
- • Baker recognizes and discusses the phenomenon that exposure to a causal agent does not necessarily result in the expected outcome. He calls this "idiosyncrasy" and attributes it to differences in host susceptibility and dosage of the causal agent.
- • Finally, Baker indicates the importance of making findings available to the affected population so that preventive actions can be undertaken. He also admonishes "those, who have power, and who have opportunities" to take appropriate remedial actions.
Take a look at this little 60-page classic. You can read it in about an hour if you skip the frequent and lengthy Latin quotes. I think you will agree with me and the Delta Omega publishers that this is indeed a great classic!
References
- Budd W. Typhoid fever: its nature, mode of spreading, and prevention. New York, NY: Delta Omega Society, 1931.
- Snow J. Snow on cholera. (Reprint). 2nd ed. New York, NY: The Commonwealth Fund, 1936.
- Panum L. Panum on measles. New York, NY: Delta Omega Society, 1940.
- Baker G. An essay concerning the cause of the endemial colic of Devonshire. New York, NY: Delta Omega Society, 1958.
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Winkelstein W Jr. From the editor. (Editorial). Am J Epidemiol 2001;154:783.
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