RT Journal A1 Ehrlich GE T1 POpulation studies of the rheumatic diseases. JF Archives of Internal Medicine JO Archives of Internal Medicine YR 1969 FD July 1 VO 124 IS 1 SP 126 OP 127 DO 10.1001/archinte.1969.00300170128048 UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinte.1969.00300170128048 AB It is axiomatic that what we know about many diseases compares to the visible portion of the iceberg. The scientists who write the most papers and books tend to be consultants and see chiefly the most difficult diagnostic and therapeutic problems, on which they base their descriptions. It is a healthy sign that the concept of continuum from absolute health to absolute disease has now made its appearance in medical studies, and the epidemiologist is in no small measure responsible. The late Dr. Joseph J. Bunim, to whom this volume is dedicated, was a leader in many areas, but nowhere was his impact as great as in the field of demographic and epidemiologic surveys of the rheumatic diseases. Twelve years ago, a single day sufficed to discuss all that was known in this field; by 1966, six days were not too much, and a distinguished group of scientists, meeting in