[The 25th anniversary of the East German Society of Gastroenterology. II. Development of the concept of the gastroenterology subdiscipline].

As like as the introduction of the gastric tube inaugurated new possibilities of investigation, the concept of gastroenterology was rounded up by the study of physiology and pathology of gut, liver, bile-ducts, and pancreas. In form of X-ray examination, topographic gliding palpation, and endoscopy, gastroenterology gained valuable diagnostic methods. The development confirmed Boas' prediction that specialization in the end is for the benefit of total science.