A Commentary: Looking Back and Looking Sideways

It has been said that “too much confidence cannot be placed on the lessons of history.” We suggest that this declaration is particularly salient for the dynamic field of toxicology. The intersection of historical trends and technological developments within and outside the discipline is briefly considered as they have shaped what we study and what we do. Most importantly, perhaps, both individually and collectively, these elements also highlight cautions and define challenges that toxicology must embrace to continue to thrive and contribute to the scientific enterprise and public health.