Our Debt to the Polymer Pioneers

It is a pleasure to participate in this symposium and to celebrate Dr. Herman Mark, who has done so much for polymer science and the polymer-based industries. I am honored to be asked to talk about our debt to the polymer pioneers in the presence of a man who is indeed a charter member of such a group. As you all know, Herman Mark has written about and explained the history and substance of polymer development with great insight and clarity. And he has probably imparted that understanding to more people in more parts of the world than anyone else.