A Chronology of State Medicine, Public Health, Welfare and Related ...

FOREWORD
Public health legislation used to be one of the key components of any undergraduate or
postgraduate course in public health. Today it is hardly mentioned, although there has been
recent debate about the possibility of a new public health act. I remember quite a number of
years ago, coming across a paper prepared by Michael Warren, covering some of the
legislation relevant to public health, and realising what a limited view I had of legislative
developments, and how valuable a clearly presented account was to anyone concerned in
teaching public health.
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Over the years Michael has progressively added to and extended his review, culminating in
this new publication which has the almost unbelievable scope of 1066 to the present time.
Although I have always had an interest in history, I would feel daunted at even attempting a
minute amount of what Michael has achieved. This publication provides a unique opportunity
to see the development and thought that has influenced legislation. What were the key issues
at particular periods of time? What were the priorities for action? And how in retrospect can
we learn the lessons that could be linked to both “good” and “ bad” legislation?
There is no other publication that provides the comprehensive, detailed and critical account of
development and legislation relevant to public health, allowing us to see the decisions that
have influenced what we have today. We are deeply indebted to Michael for his longstanding
commitment to this topic, and to ensuring accuracy by going back to original documentation
and sources; and finally for such a clear presentation in this chronology.
It will provide us all, whatever our current work may be, with a rich resource and the solid
historical basis for present day practice and possible future legislation.
Professor James McEwen
President, Faculty of Public Health Medicine