An historical study of the relationship between rickets and tetany through publications edited in Spain from 1800 to 1914 is presented. Twelve collections of journals, both pediatric and general medical, and likewise Medical Treatises, were used. In spite of the recognition of nervous phenomena accompanying rickets towards the beginning of the century, the clear relationship between rickets and tetany was not recognised until the beginning of this century. The causes of this delay are discussed, the main one being the limitations of an anatomoclinic mentality. The limited contribution and the low level of information of the Spanish author is emphasized.