T he investigation of various mechanical forces and the tissue deformations they induce have been extensively studied for over three centuries. The basic principles concerning the relationship between mechanical stress and strain of various materials were demonstrated by Robert Hooke (1635-1703) and proved to be essential for the improvement of bio-materials and the understanding of pathophysio...

The Dutch painter Sir Peter Paul Rubens (June 28, 1577 – May 30, 1640), the most famous artist of the Flemish Baroque art school, studied anatomy and medicine to understand the human body and devoted his life to sharing views common among his contemporaries. Rubens believed that physical weakness could lead to spiritual weakness. He painted nudes and highlighted their physical beauty, goodness,...