&NA;A system is described for coding of anatomic—including forensic—pathologic diagnoses from necropsy cases using a microcomputer. The SNOMED software from the College of American Pathologists is utilized. RAM‐disk software is employed to enhance the speed of operation of the system. The microcomputer can be operated by clerical staff versed in medical terminology. Speed of entry and retrieval, with minimal manual interaction, is an important aspect of operation. Equipment and storage costs are minimal.