1Sarada Ranganathan Endowment for Library Science, 702, 42nd Cross, III Block, Rajajinagar, Bangalore 560010, E-mail: srels@vsnl.com
2Documentation Research and Training Centre, Indian Statistical Institute, Mysore Road, 8th Mile, R.V. College Post, Bangalore 560059, E-mail: ikrrao@hotmail.com
Contact: 216, 4th Main Road, 16th Cross Road, Malleswaram West, Bangalore 560055, E-mail: anm2002@vsnl.net
This paper describes a general model for analysing the pattern(s) of incidence of events(s), using, as a case study the incidence of certain communicable diseases in India in the 19th century. Applies bibliometrics in data analysis and interprets the findings in relation to the health environment and preventive measures. Unlike in the usual bibliometric studies in which one would particularly look for the peaks, the high incidence rate of the object under study, in the case of communicable diseases we are more interested in the ‘trough’ part of the graph showing the low or no incidence of the disease. Emphasizes that such informetric studies by information professionals can assist and support medical historiography.
