Introduction: From mechanics to biomechanics

It is impossible to talk and discuss about biomechanics without talking about mechanics. In this introductory chapter, the main notions of mechanics, applied mechanics, and biomechanics are given, together with a historical overview, allowing the reader to become familiar with these concepts and to highlight the main actors and discoveries. This chapter is therefore the first step in this journey that provides a comprehensive evolution of biomechanics from the dawn of time to the present day.SCOPUS: ch.b