The contribution is based on the authors' experience gathered during the work on the history of Czech studies from the linguistic point of view that resulted in a book (Kapitoly z dejin ceske jazykovedne bohemistiky, 2007). The authors point out significant moments to be taken into consideration when the development of Czech studies from the linguistic point of view is considered (extralinguistic, theoretical, teleological circumstances) as well as their consequences. Their considerations lead to the conclusion that to know the history of linguistic thought is important not only in order to understand its development as such, but, based on the connections revealed, also in order to better understand the present-day orientation of Czech studies in the Czech context.