[Basic concepts of pathology in Germany 1858 until today and progress in medicine]

The rise of scientific medicine in the 19th century had its origins mainly in Rudolf Virchows localistic cellular pathology. As a consequence the organism as a complex system was kept in the background. In recognition of this problem, concepts of pathology, emerging in 20th century, tried in vain to establish organismic theories of illness. Pathology remained deeply indebted to Virchows work. Deficits appeared even in 19th century, when treatment of patients was mainly focussed on practicability of cure, ignoring the social background. Therefore, it is not possible to speak about progress of pathology in general, for diagnostics depends also on individual mentality, the subject, and the situation of the time.