Book excerpt: The suggestion of Max Knoll that an electron fascinated by the numerous SEM photographs, the wealth of information and the enthusiasm of the microscope could be developed using a fine scanning researchers covering a variety of disciplines. All aspects beam of electrons on a specimen surface and recording the emitted current as a function of the position of the of the female and male genital tract have been covered, beam was launched in 1935. Since then several culminating in the prizewinning award showing the in investigators and clinicians have used this concept to vitro fertilized human egg. develop techniques now known as scanning electron In clinical diagnostics SEM also proved to be a microscopy (SEM) and scanning transmission electron valuable complementary technique, shedding new light microscopy (STEM). The choice to study the female on oncology, the pathogenesis of tubal disease and the reproductive organs was a logical one because cells and maturation process of the placenta. Future research has tissue samples can be sampled relatively easily; still to be accomplished; e.g. quantification of SEM furthermore, these cells and organs are influenced photographs for meaningful and sound biological, continuously by the cyclic production of hormones. scientific and statistical evaluation in diagnostic This atlas demonstrates the state of the art in 1983. gynecology, obstetrics, andrology and oncology.