Discusses the history of epidemiology--the science of isolating and tracking the transmission of disease--and shows how scientists carry out their investigations, with a look at the methods being used to tackle modern health problems like cancer and heart disease.

Epidemics and science -- The beginnings of epidemiology -- Lung cancer : new methods of studying disease -- Heart disease : untangling risk factors -- Hazards in the environment : finding "safe" levels -- Medicines that backfire -- Screening populations : costs, risks, and benefits -- Health care services : what works? -- The future of disease and epidemiology.