When analyzing original articles since the sixteenth century, it becomes apparent that all surgical techniques for repair of the inguinal hernial orifice can be traced back to two simple repair principles. The first is reinforcement of the anterior wall of the inguinal canal and tightening of the external inguinal ring (Stromayr 1559, Purmann 1694, Czerny 1877), and the second is reinforcement of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal and the tightening of the internal inguinal ring, either externally (Lucas-Championnière 1881, Bassini 1889, Lotheissen 1898, McVay 1942, Shouldice 1945, Lichtenstein 1987, Stoppa 1989) or via an intraabdominal approach by laparotomy (Tait 1891) or laparoscopically (Ger 1990, Velez and Klein 1990). We have tried to provide a systematic order to the diverse procedures of surgery of inguinal hernias according to their repair principles. We also point out their historical development.