A historical note about the sufficient cause model with special consideration of the work of Max Verworn 1912

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to present the historical roots of the sufficient component cause model, which is very well known in epidemiology.

Methods: I have analyzed Max Verworn's writings on the description of the sufficient component cause model.

Results: Verworn introduced a precursor of the sufficient component cause model as early as 1912, possibly inspired by Ernst Mach. He argued for the abandonment of the concept of "cause" (singular). Instead, he preferred the term "conditions." Unlike Karl Pearson, Verworn was not opposed to causal considerations. However, according to Verworn, every process or state is determined by numerous conditions and not by a single factor or "cause." Instead of speaking of causalism, Verworn preferred to speak of conditionalism.

Conclusions: The earliest description of the concept of the sufficient component cause model known in the epidemiological literature since 1976 dates back at least to 1912.

Keywords: Causality; Cause; Epidemiology; History.