[The history of journalism in Spain (I). Brief history of scientific-medical journalism in Spain and the impact of urologists on its establishment and development]. / Historia del periodismo urológico en España (I). Breve historia del periodismo científico-médico español y de la influencia de los urólogos en su afianzamiento y desarrollo.

The history of Spanish medical publications runs parallel with the history of Spanish Medicine. The 18th century witnessed the development of the scientific press in Europe. During this period, leading Spanish physicians established 11 periodicals, some of which continue to be published and are ranked among the oldest in the continent. However, the social, political and military turmoil in Spain during the period spanning 1800-1834, led to the decline of Spanish Medicine and consequently, of Spanish medical literature. With the liberal changes of the mid-19th century, and as a consequence of doctors' returning from exile, the Spanish scientific press resumed its activity with renewed vigour and more than 700 new journals were established up to 1905. During this period of unequalled expansion, which reached its apex in the 20th century, the specialized medical journals that developed in the late 19th century had a notable influence that grew as the medical and surgical specialties became more defined. Those dedicated to the diseases of the genitourinary system appeared during this period. There were 6 journals by 1903 and 7 more were established until the Spanish Civil War broke out in 1936. The specific contribution of the Spanish urologists in the past and present centuries to the promotion and permanence of the medical publications in general and the urological in particular has yet to be elucidated.