   Graphic presentations are like works of Art. Like a work of Art, what you see is an interpretation of the Artist’s observations of Life. Similarly, when epidemiologists present their findings in tables, graphs, charts, and maps, it is their interpretation of what they see in the data (or observations) they have gathered.
    However, as scientists, epidemiologists cannot take artistic liberties with their data, because to do so would be unethical. Unlike artists, scientists’ contributions to the body of knowledge are meant to be built upon by others. Therefore, scientists must conduct their studies in which they record their observations systematically so others can replicate it. No one can replicate the work of Picasso. But, then again, Picasso was not a scientist, but an artist, and artists are valued for their uniqueness.
   Before graphic presentations can be created, the epidemiologic data need to be organized. The best way to organize the data is with the use of tables.