Vitiligo is one of the most striking of all human disease phenotypes, and it is perhaps the most common pigmentary disorder. The patchy loss of skin pigmentation and the marked contrast between involved and uninvolved skin particularly impacts persons of color, with consequent stigmatization that has long been recognized to result in significant social inequality and morbidity in affected individuals (Brito, 1885). Because of its visually evident cutaneous manifestations, vitiligo has been known for thousands of years. However, only relatively recently has there been real progress in understanding its pathobiological basis, which, it is hoped, may facilitate progress in vitiligo treatment and ultimately even prevention. Surprisingly, in several instances key discoveries seem to have been overlooked or discounted, only to be rediscovered and republished by others a decade or more later.