Fred A. Keimel
Adhesives and Sealants Consultants, Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, U. S.A.
The history of adhesives and sealants is closely related to the history of humankind. Some of what are thought of as relatively ‘‘new’’ uses of adhesives have their origins in ancient times, and although most of these materials have been subject to vast changes, others have been changed very little over time. As new materials are developed, a review of the history of uses can lead one to see where they might be applied to improve old applications, and sometimes to satisfy requirements of entirely new applications.