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Dr. John Snow
Dr. John Snow, a doctor who would win renown as
both an anesthesiologist and epidemiologist, lived in London in the 1800s.
He had a theory that sewage contamination of water supplies could cause
human disease. An outbreak of cholera in August, 1854 in the Soho suburb
gave him an opportunity to prove that theory. Snow plotted both water
supplies and cases of cholera using a “spot map.” By investigating cases of
cholera, including the source of their drinking water, Snow was able to find
a common risk factor: water drawn from the Broad Street Pump. He wrote that
there were over 500 cases within 25 feet of that pump. For Snow’s
investigation, negative cases were as important as positive cases. For
instance, a brewery on Broad Street unexpectedly had no cases; but the
brewery turned out to have its own well. But proving his theory to himself
was not enough. On 7 September 1854, Snow went to St. James’ Parish, and
found someone who would allow him entry to the official parish meeting with
an invitation to speak. Although it is doubtful that the officials believed
Snow, they were desperate enough to try his solution, and by the next
morning the handle had been removed from the pump. Cases of cholera declined
rapidly after the handle was removed. This pump and handle thus symbolize
the work of the Epidemiology and Prevention Research Group: 1) To thoroughly
document and understand important public health problems using clear and
simple methodology and subsequent communication, and 2) To think and act
boldly for the public health by translating our findings into clear and
simple solutions.
The
EPRG staff presents Dr.
Lee Robins, Ph.D. with a special limited edition water bottle
featuring the EPRG logo.
Epidemiology and Prevention Research Group 
