DESCRIPTIVE DEFINITION AND HISTORIC ASPECTS OF SARCOIDOSIS

The descriptive definition of sarcoidosis is based on international ac ceptance at world congresses held in various cities during 1958 to 199 5. This definition is understood by experts in all continents and will continue to be amended as new information unfolds at future conferenc es. Historic aspects are based on pioneers, and is in memory of those who have died. Our understanding of sarcoidosis extends by evolution o f knowledge from the simple lessons of these pioneers to the accumulat ion of data by immunology and molecular biology published regularly in our biennial journal ''Sarcoidosis, Vasculitis, and Diffuse Lung Dise ases.''