A History of Biomaterials

This chapter provide a brief overview of the development of the field of biomaterials from the days of adventurous practices by surgeon-heroes, to the many accidental discovery and development of unexpected biomaterials, and to the modern era where engineers, chemists, physicists, biologists and clinicians work together to engineer novel medical treatment technologies. It also encourages readers to help preserve and document first-hand accounts of the roots of many developmental stories by biomaterials pioneers who are still with us today.