Virchow's Second Protocol; a 21st-Century Review.

Rudolf Virchow published several autopsy protocols in his 1876 book on postmortem examinations. The protocols demonstrate the application of the 1875 Regulations to medicolegal practice. The book went through several editions and translations throughout the remainder of the 19th century, but the second autopsy protocol was subject to scathing criticism in 1915. This article summarizes the protocol and reviews the criticism, historic context, and conclusions. Application of 21st-century practice principles is also attempted in order to test the durability of Virchow's methods and protocol across centuries.