[On applicabilities of polarization microscopy in diagnostic histopathology (author's transl)]

Apart from its importance in ultrastructure research polarization microscopy turns out to be a valuable additional method in the daily hitological diagnostics of pathologist. By means of some examples the applicabilities of the polarization microscopy in this field are demonstrated. After some physical bases and practical hints for the use of polarization microscopes some staining reactions leading to an optical anisotropic effect are reported. Morever, it is reffered to the demonstration and characterization of crystals in biological fluids and tisdues. In our opinion, simple polarization optics should belong to the optical equipment of each pathologist.