[The plague: an overview of its historical, clinical, and epidemiological evolution].

Historical review of the Plague, since its origin, perhaps asiatic, followed by the Greek and Roman references, emphasizing its political and military importance. Great Middle Ages epidemics are mentioned, ending with XIXth century's, that made possible its producer and carrier identification. Reference on its arrival in America in XVIIth century is made, highlighting the 1899-1939 pandemics that spread throughout the whole continent.