Pathology the study of human suffering, more scientifically known as the study of disease. It is a major component to modern medicine and instrumental to almost all diagnosis. Pathology incorporates many other life sciences as well as medical practices to assist in its day to day functions. Pathology can also be used as a noun, which is the predicted or actual progression of a disease.

Pathology has a wide and diverse history stemming back to antiquity (7-8000 BCE). Many societies, including the Middle East, China, and India all studied diseases as well as detailed information on bodies and dissection of them. The Ancient Pyramids are great examples of this, as they have mummified corpses in them only able to mummified through knowledge in pathology.

Further on, Hippocrates in ancient Greece is known as one of the founders of pathology. The modern Hippocratic Oath being taken today by doctors is named after him. Other pathologists, scientists, and his own work all contributed to developing methods of diagnosis and prognosis. The Romans and the Byzantines would continue from the Greek progress, but progress would remain stagnant until the medieval ages. Islam would be leading the charge for pathology, documenting many studies in pathology.

Understanding pathology wouldn't truly advance until the 17^th century, however. The development of the microscope made it so humans could study at a microscopic level, allowing them to see diseases for the first time. Robert Hooke would go on to find and name the cell, which would propel pathology toward germ theory (that many diseases are caused by microorganisms).

In the 19^th century, modern pathology would begin to develop. Many natural philosophers and physicians whom studied diseases would push the envelope for diseases. This was because of the ride in interest in microbiology, the study of microorganisms. At this point, they started to understand pathogens (Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, etc.) and how they can cause diseases within the human body. This would mark an end for the most part of superficial beliefs in witchcraft causing diseases in America and Europe.

With advances in pathology, so too did our knowledge in modern medicine. Pathology, with the help of microscopes and Rudolf Virchow, allowed the deep analysis of tissue. This led to many different developments, and by the 1930s, pathology was made a medical specialty. Many different variations of pathology would split from this, which caused a renaissance so to speak in researching diseases and finding cures.

Pathology helps keep humanity alive and prolongs our life with deeper understanding into diseases. These understandings can help shape how our future generations will look, and help combat even hereditary (inherited from parents) diseases. New technologies are constantly being developed to help push the boundaries of pathology, and with an ever-growing field, there doesn't appear to be an end in interest in pathology.

Related Links: Science Biology Branches of Biology