In this paper the history of analytic, or synthesis, method for linear feedback system design will be reviewed. The term analytic design is used to define design methods where an existence theorem is available, and when a solution is known to exist, a computable algorithm for computing a solution is available. Examples of analytic design discussed in this paper include, pole-placement, linear-quadratic control, mean-square control, Youla-parametrization, gain and phase-margin optimization, and robust stabilization.