The autopsy introduced the modern era of enlightenment in medicine, and for 100 years it was the most important instrument in the investigation of disease and its clinical manifestations. Other fields are now making more dramatic and more significant contributions to the therapy and the understanding of disease. This will continue as long as the autopsy limits itself to correlating symptoms and signs with morphologic entities. It is difficult for one who has devoted his professional life to the autopsy to admit that this procedure is no longer as important as it was heretofore, yet it is true. Further deterioration can be arrested by a better realization of the autopsy for what it is now and a better appreciation of what it can become if properly supported. With adequate support, the autopsy will not be found wanting in its contribution to research, patient and hospital service, and medical education. The