Since the introduction of antibiotics for the treatment of suppurative otitis media the incidence of complications from this disease has been greatly diminished. Acute mastoiditis, resulting in the deep neck abscess known as Bezold's abscess, has become very rare. A case of Bezold's abscess is presented with special reference to the clinical presentation and pathogenesis of this now uncommon condition. The variations in the routes of spread of the abscess in the fascial planes of the neck are described in detail. The difference between what is known today as a Bezold's abscess and the abscess that Bezold described in the early part of this century are presented.