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The First Prosthesis (1069-664 B.C.)
The first ever found form of a prosthetic dates back from Egypt and was made/used from approximately 1069 to 664 B.C.The wooden-and-leather-built false toe had been unearthed in a burial chamber of an Egyptian woman aged between 50 - 60 years old, whom most likely lost her toe due to Diabetes.
http://www.livescience.com/4555-world-prosthetic-egyptian-mummy-fake-toe.html -
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The Capua Leg (300 B.C.)
In 1858, a prosthetic leg had been discovered in the city of Capua, Italy, dating back to 300 B.C. The leg had been crafted from a combination of bronze and steel, fitted with a wooden core, and made for an person with a below the knee amputation. In relation to the Egyptian wooden toe, the Capua leg was a major advancement in the field of prosthesis, with the leg being able to allow for more excessive movement. http://www.amputee-coalition.org/resources/a-brief-history-of-prosthetics/ -
Period: 476 to Jan 1, 1000
Dark Ages (476 - 1000 A.D.)
During the Dark Ages, Peg Legs were available prosthesis for whom could actually afford to have them fitted. Instead of the original iron and steel attachment, the prosthesis was now made out of wood, which was a more lighter replacement instead of the thick steel. While replacing the weight and probable cost of the prosthesis, the appendage was no longer as durable as its predecessor. http://www.amputee-coalition.org/resources/a-brief-history-of-prosthetics/ -
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Dark Ages (476-1000 A.D.) Prosthetic Image
Image for the Dark Ages event plot. http://www.amputee-coalition.org/resources/a-brief-history-of-prosthetics/ -
Birth of the Artificial Leg (1848)
On November 4,1846, Benjamin Franklin Palmer received a pattent for his design and development of the arificial leg. This particular day was a monumental event in the world of prosthetics, as prosthetics produced following the patent utilized springs and metal tendons that allow the amputee to remain mobile in their daily life.
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/reform/jb_reform_artificial_1.html -
Period: to
Polycarbonites (1970's -1990's A.D.)
Entering the 1970's, different types of polycarbonites were being utilized for prosthesis. specifically carbon fiber. This advancement paved way for a new format of mass producing prosthesis, as the materials were accessible, and the appendage became lighter in weight. However, while the weight decreased, the price inflated exponentially, reaching into thousands of dollars, for a limb that needed to be constantly replaced. http://share.upmc.com/2015/03/timeline-prosthetic-limbs-years/ -
Polycarbonites (1970's - 1990's A.D.)
Image for the Polycarbonates Time-Span http://www.engineering.com/DesignerEdge/DesignerEdgeArticles/ArticleID/6561/Army-Prosthetics-Revolutionize-the-Industry.aspx -
3D Printing (2014 - Present A.D.)
In 2014, Ivan Owen of Washington State University and Richard Vans As from South Africa began to collaborate, and after months of developing, the duo designed and created the first ever 3D printed prosthetic. This recent technological revolutionary event sparked the path for 3D printing prosthesis from legs to even facial pieces. As well, this breakthrough began to allow those whom have access to a printer to print their own prosthesis, affecting how now anybody in the world can be an innovator. -
3D Printing (2014 - Present Sources
