Carl Rokitansky, an Austrian pathologist, revolutionized the field of medicine by perfecting the systematic autopsy between 1840 and 1870.

As one of the leading figures in Vienna’s medical community, Rokitansky developed a meticulous method for conducting autopsies that focused on thorough examination and classification of diseases. His approach was comprehensive, involving detailed observation of organs and tissue in a systematic manner that emphasized finding the pathological cause of death. Rokitansky performed or supervised over 30,000 autopsies during his career, contributing significantly to the understanding of various diseases and solidifying pathology as a scientific discipline.

His work established the autopsy as an essential tool in medical diagnosis and research, helping to standardize medical procedures and inform clinical practice.