[Jan Szmurlo (1867-1952) -- cofounder of The Polish Otolaryngological Society: his professional and scientific activity until 1938].

The life and works, until 1938, are presented of Jan Szmurło (1867-1952), a cofounder of Polish Otolaryngological Society, with description of his university studies, his first work at the internal diseases department of the St Spirit Hospital in Warsaw and the laryngology outpatient clinic of that hospital and in exile in the East. His professional schooling at the laryngological centres in Berlin, Paris, Kraków and Vienna are described. The rich, multidirectional professional, scientific and social activities in Warsaw after his return from exile in the East are also described. His contribution to development of Otolaryngological Clinic of Stephen Batory University at Vilnius and his contribution to development of otorinolaryngology are depicted. Lastly, the Jan Szmurło achievements in the inhalatory therapy are presented.