This major new textbook portrays the philosophy and underlying principles of public health. The methods used for the investigation and solution of public health problems are described, and examples given of how these techniques are applied in practice. The book concentrates largely on presenting a comprehensive view of public health as it relates to developed countries, but it will also be relevant and of interest to students of public health from the developing world. The Oxford Textbook of Public Health is intended primarily as a comprehensive reference textbook for postgraduate students, but it will also be of interest to all those concerned with the formulation and execution of public health policy. Volume 3 Investigative methods of public health are covered in volume three. The first section deals comprehensively with information systems that have been developed in various countries. The range of analytical approaches usually associated with epidemiology and the contributions to public health investigations of several other professional disciplines are described in detail. The practical applications of these techniques are discussed through specific examples of field investigations concerned with biological, physical and chemical hazards, and of the unique problems posed by investigations of health services. * Major new reference textbook * In four volumes (available separately) * Comprehensive -- covers all aspects of community health * Edited by leading figures in the field of community medicine * Strong team of international contributors * Includes coverage of both developed countries and the developing world * Methods used for investigation and solution of public health problems are described, and examples given of how these are applied in practice