[10] His work is considered pivotal in the history of the fields of sociology and statistical inquiry,[3] Politically, Villermé was a liberal, with an optimistic belief that industrialism and haut commerce could be sources of "productive" wealth which would improve public health.

[11][12] In terms of political economy, he generally did not support government intervention or regulation, believing that a healthy private sector would self-regulate and that enlightened employers would provide higher wages.

Villermé urged the government of Paris to take after the newly reformed prison systems of the United States and Russia.

[19] This work in particular reflects the multifaceted approach Villermé took in his research, combining knowledge of medicine, data analysis, and social epidemiology.

[20] In the year 1826, he conducted a study connecting mortality rates with wealth and poverty based on neighborhoods in Paris.

This extended into his study in 1829 that reasoned the cause for shorter heights in poorer people was the result of inadequate money to provide proper nutrition.

[21] Villermé’s Tableau discussed the role of industrialization on the general health and quality of life for the laboring class.

This work served not only as valuable information to medical institutions and boards, but also as a social statement, widely accepted by the public.

Villermé discussed his observations made concerning workers in the cotton, wool, and silk industries.

The second portion of the book included the topic of health as it relates to dangerous workplaces and the effects of low pay and overcrowding.

[5][27] Villermé covered a wide array of subject matter including: children in the workplace, savings accounts, asylum rooms, and drunkenness among the working class.