An acute look at underbar{basic} facts concerning underbar{unbounded} subnormal operators is taken here. These operators have the richest structure and are the most exciting among the whole family of beneficiaries of the normal ones. Therefore, the l
atter must necessarily be taken into account as the reference point for any exposition of subnormality. So as to make the presentation more appealing a kind of comparative survey of the bounded and unbounded case has been set forth. oindent This piece of writing serves rather as a practical guide to this largely impenetrable territory than an exhausting report.
