The change of signs and symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis detected for the first time during the years 1948 through 1986 is analysed. During the entire period, the majority of patients attended the physician because of symptoms. Between 13 different evaluated symptoms cough was permanently most frequent. The other symptoms changed in their prevalence. The mean age of the patients increased from 29.7 to 59.0 years. The proportion of patients with cavities decreased from 75% to 37%. The increase of the proportion of patients in whom M. tuberculosis was detected, from 33.9 to 73.0%, is explained by the growing intensity of bacteriological examinations. To provide early case finding, health education of the population and appropriate qualification of physicians and other health providers are required at present as well as in the past.