A study of the embryological development of the human ear

Embryo logical development of the ear was discussed as early as 1917: Alexander (1917), and Albrecht. Procedures used in their investigations were not discussed. The number of embryos dissected was not mentioned by either Alexander or Albrecht, Shambaugh (1969) reported the studies of Anson and Bast (1955); no explanation or description of the embryos that were examined was given. Ballantyne and Groves (1971) and Rose (1971) discussed the complete embryological development of the ear. Gray' s Anatomy, which is considered by the medical and allied health sciences as the most complete study and description of the entire human body, has failed to report concisely the development of the ear. None of the above sources reported 1) the number of embryos studied and 2) the techniques used for the studies.