Abstract
Since the early 1960's a potpourri of vendors and institutions have attempted to implement computer technology in Pathology Department applications. These attempts have met with varying degrees of success. However, the systems have not been readily exportable because of the individual idiosyncrasies of the developing department. The emergence on the technological scene of the microprocessor offers new encouragement to Pathology Departments who are considering the introduction of computers into their departments. This paper will discuss the evolution of computer use within Pathology Departments and will attempt to forecast some of the future applications for technologically progressive institutions. This could provide some insight for the Pathologist who is reinvestigating the potential of computers as a tool in the practice of his profession.