Background: The assessment of sections at scanning magnification is an essential step in making a diagnosis in dermatopathology, but the inspection of stained sections on a slide with the naked eye is almost never mentioned to be useful for coming to a diagnosis. Objectives: To identify lesions that can be diagnosed with surety with the naked eye alone in a section stained with H & E. Methods: Sections were first studied without a microscope and a diagnosis was rendered, which then was confirmed by studying the same slide at scanning, intermediate, and high magnifications under the microscope. Results: Various cystic, verrucous, and fibromatous lesions can be identified with near surety even without a microscope. Some dermal proliferations also display features that can be identified with the naked eye. Criteria for diagnosis and limitations of the method presented are discussed. Conclusions: A number of lesions can be diagnosed without a microscope. The method demonstrates compellingly the importance of pattern and silhouette for making a diagnosis and it creates a continuum between clinical dermatology and dermatopathology.