[en] This paper uses information retrieval from available data bases such as INSPEC tapes in an attempt to quantify and demonstrate trends in the recent development of Soliton physics research. The date shows that Soliton physics research may be classified into three stages according to the annual numbers of published scientific papers (N): Stage 1: N - 100 Gestation (up to 1965) Stage 2: N - 101 Introduction (1966 - 1971) Stage 3: N - 102 Growth (1971 - present) (author)