The Society for Epidemiologic Research and the future of epidemiology.

This paper describes the development of noninfectious disease epidemiology and the subsequent organization of the Society for Epidemiologic Research. It defines epidemiology as "the study of the health of human populations," and outlines its four basic functions. Certain negative trends in epidemiologic research are indicated. The current tasks of epidemiology are reviewed, as well as the objective and subjective factors which will determine the future of epidemiology.