A brief history of medical diagnosis and the birth of the clinical laboratory. Part 1--Ancient times through the 19th century.

From tasting urine to microscopy to molecular testing, the sophistication of diagnostic techniques has come a long way and continues to develop at break-neck speed. The history of the laboratory is the story of medicine's evolution from empirical to experimental techniques and proves that the clinical lab is the true source of medical authority. Part 1 in a 2-part series.