ABSTRACT
To appreciate the current practice of epidemiology, it is necessary to trace a selected review of history. It begins with a depiction of three major notions or beliefs about disease. Just as important, the roles of outstanding persons in the evolution of epidemiology are recognized and the work of twentieth-century contemporaries is honored citing landmark legislation along the way. All of this is presented according to its significance to the ever-increasing body of knowledge in health promotion and disease prevention.
