[Trends in morphological research as a reflection in the Greifswald chair of pathological anatomy]

Virchow's concept of cellular pathology was chosen as the starting point for this report on the development of our branch of science since the establishment of the Greifswald Chair of Pathological Anatomy in 1856. The great enthusiasm for carrying out experiments, the dynamic power and creativity possessed by the representatives of our subject, which assisted in the combination of practical medicine with theoretical knowledge, has been described at the instance of three heads of department (Grohé, 1858-1885; Grawitz, 1886-1921; Leupold, 1926-1930). They laid the foundations for a modern morphological terminology, which takes account not only of the spacial order of the structural components but also of their modifications in the course of time (processes) according to natural laws. Eventually, the current position of our subject was analyzed and broken down into three problem areas, which are of great importance for the future development of pathological institutes.