Book excerpt: This book provides a broad overview of diagnostic pathology, integrating historical perspectives with the current practice of diagnostic pathology across various sub-fields such as surgical pathology, cytopathology, autopsy and forensic pathology, neuropathology and more. Pathology: Historical and Contemporary Aspects presents contemporary issues that are crucial to the practice of pathology in the 21st century, including the development and application of key techniques and technical aspects such as immunohistochemistry and molecular diagnostics, as well as computer applications such as image analysis and artificial intelligence. The history of the field in the West is covered in detail, including the history and current standing of major pathology societies, in addition to a concise overview of the development of pathology in Eastern countries such as China and Japan. It details the work of some outstanding individuals who have contributed to advances in pathology, from Nobel laureates to traditionally under-represented groups such as women and minorities.