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Engineering is the integration of art and science and involves the use of systematic knowledge based on the
principles of mathematics and the physical sciences to design and develop systems that have direct practical
applicability for the benefit of mankind and society.With this philosophy in mind, the importance of the
engineering sciences becomes obvious, and this is especially true for the biomedical aspects, where the
implications are easily identifiable. Of all the engineering sciences, biomedical engineering is considered
to be the broadest. Its practice frequently involves the direct combination of the core engineering sciences,
such as mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering, and requires a functional knowledge of other
nonengineering disciplines, such as biology and medicine, to achieve effective solutions. It is a multidisciplinary
science with its own core aspects, such as biomechanics, bioinstrumentation, and biomaterials,
which can be further characterized by a triage of subject matter. For example, the study of biomechanics,
or biological mechanics, employs the principles of mechanics, which is a branch of the physical sciences
that investigates the effects of energy and forces on matter or material systems. It often embraces a broad
range of subject matter that may include aspects of classical mechanics, material science, fluid mechanics,
heat transfer, and thermodynamics, in an attempt to model and predict the mechanical behaviors of any
living system. As such, it may be called the “liberal arts” of the biomedical engineering sciences.
Biomechanics is deeply rooted throughout scientific history and has been influenced by the research
work of early mathematicians, engineers, physicists, biologists, and physicians.Not one of these disciplines
can claim sole responsibility for maturing biomechanics to its current state; rather, it has been a conglomeration
and integration of these disciplines, involving the application of mathematics, physical principles,
and engineering methodologies, that has been responsible for its advancement. Several examinations exist
that offer a historical perspective on biomechanics in dedicated chapters within a variety of biomechanics
textbooks. For this reason, a historical perspective is not presented within this introduction and it is left
to the reader to discover the material within one of these textbooks. As an example, Y.C. Fung (1993)
provides a reasonably detailed synopsis of those who were influential to the progress of biomechanical
understanding. A review of this material and similar material from other authors commonly shows that
biomechanics has occupied the thoughts of some of the most conscientious minds involved in a variety of
the sciences. |