[The organization and activity of the otolaryngological institutions in Warsaw in the second half of the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century].

The importance of various otolaryngological institutions: hospital wards, outpatient clinics, infirmaries and consulting rooms in the formation of the new specialization, otolaryngology, is described in this paper. An important role of surgery in the first period of the development of otolaryngology is mentioned. At that time all major otolaryngological operations were performed by general surgeons. The necessity to create new separate hospital otolaryngological wards became evident. The attainment of general surgical education and management of suitable post-operation treatment by otolaryngologists as well as creation of autonomous operating rooms were also evident. Poor state of Warsaw otolaryngological outpatient clinics is described in detail. The state of otolaryngological institutions in Europe, in the United States of North America and in the Kingdom of Poland is described briefly.