Introduction 12

Introduction In the writing of this history I have consulted a number of other historical volumes, describing more venerable and larger medical societies in America. Some of these have traced the story of their society by recounting sequential scientific sessions as they occurred from the time of its birth. Such a plan has not been followed in this volume. The reader can, however, refer to the Appendix should this method prove a more satisfying way of tracing the history of the American Epidemiological Society. Indeed, I have also become painfully aware that this story could have been told in a number of different ways and, for this reason, I have chosen to call the book An Account, instead of The History of the Society. I am greatly indebted to Dr. Dorothy M. Horstmann (Vice-President of the American Epidemiological Society, 1969-1970) for her help in the preparation of this work. I have also received valued comments from Dr. Harry A. Feldman (Secretary of the AES, 1962-1968, and President, 1968-1969), Dr. Alfred S. Evans (Secretary of the AES since 1969), from John P. Fox (President of the AES, 1969-1970), and Abraham Lilienfeld (President of the AES, 1970-1971). I am also grateful to Mrs. Evelyn Ball for typing the manuscript and to Mrs. Virginia M. Simon for making the line drawings.