Rapid 'technological lock in' and pathology - Is technology moving too fast?

The term "Lock In" as applied to Science and Technology refers to a technology which has been utilised for a certain amount of time and it has been determined that the technology is viable and cost effective. An analysis of the technological advancements in pathology over a period of time shows that the newer technologies in contrast to the older technologies are reaching a state of "Technological Lock In" much faster. Three different discoveries, the development of the autopsy as a research tool, the discovery of the microscope and immunohistochemistry illustrate how rapidly "Technological Lock In" is being achieved with the passage of time. Three probable scenarios are possible because of this rapid "Technological Lock In". Technology may continue to progress at the same pace (an ideal scenario), may plateau until pathologists accept and absorb new technologies or thirdly, develop very rapidly so that the technology may never reach pathology practice. What will the future be? How will technology influence the principles and practices of Pathology? Only time will tell.