A translation of: The scientific progress of otology in the past decennium (until late 1862) by Hermann Schwartze: Pathology and therapy of the external ear

Abstract

In 1863, Anton von Troltsch, Adam Politzer, and Hermann Schwartze began the first journal dedicated solely to disorders of the ear, Archiv fur Ohrenheilkund (Archives of Otology). In the inaugural edition, Hermann Schwartze, the youngest of the three, took on the responsibility for summarizing all the prevailing advances in otology recorded in the previous 10 years leading up to its publication. This work represents a concise summary of all major advances and theories regarding diseases of the ear circa 1863, providing a valuable window on the practice of otology during its inception as an independent subspecialty. In this first of an anticipated two-part article, we provide a translation of what is perhaps the most interesting portion: pathology and therapy of the outer ear and middle ears. The second part of the manuscript will translate the pathology and treatment of inner ear disorders. It is hoped that this work will spark contemporary otologists not only to reflect how far we have come as a subspecialty but also to reflect what we still must accomplish as physicians and scientists.