100 Years on: Politzer's Greatest Historical Legacy.

OBJECTIVE

To mark the centenary of Adam Politzer's death by investigating and celebrating the legacy he left to otology. Politzer is arguably one of the greatest otologists of the last 200 years and his textbook on otological history is undoubtedly the seminal work on the subject. The aim of this paper is twofold. Not only do the authors hope to find out if he is still remembered by otolaryngologists, but also what has been the greatest legacy which he has bequeathed to them.

METHODOLOGY

Extensive review of available academic literature mentioning the name Politzer.

RESULTS

Politzer's celebrated tome, History of Otology was not only the first comprehensive book on the subject, but it has stood the test of time and still remains unsurpassed as the "Gold Standard" reference work.

CONCLUSION

The considered opinion of the authors (both otolaryngologists and academic historians) is that the name of Politzer certainly lives on and that this book is probably his most enduring legacy to posterity. It can justifiably be said that Adam Politzer was the first otologist to prove the concept that the past is the key of the present, which opens the future.