INTRODUCTION

The 7th International Conference on Plastination in Graz was a success. 150 plastinators from 30 countries attended, 43 papers were presented from the platform and 19 posters were demonstrated. The abstracts were published as a newsletter of the International Society for Plastination (ISP) by Dale Ulmer. Two days of basic lectures covered principles, news, and developments in standard silicone as well as in sheet plastination techniques. As the 1st International Conference on Plastination took place in 1982, we needed to learn about the history of plastination. Besides the history of the society and of its journal , we got to hear about the development of plastination, which meanwhile has become so well known that it can be found in the encyclopedia. Gunther von Hagens gave an overview glimpse of the days when the plastination technique was born. For anyone interested in plastination, Ron Wade presented a very helpful and inexpensive tool by which plastinators all over the World may communicate within seconds. This was the birth of the Internet mail system for the International Society for Plastination. It was set up at the University of Maryland at Baltimore.

(LISTSERV@UMAB. DMD.EDU).

 Wednesday was free of lectures and reserved for tours through the old town of Graz in the morning and through the Institutes of Anatomy, Histology and Pathology in the afternoon. The last two days of the week were used to show and discuss the applications of Plastination in teaching and research. My very special wish to show the value of plastination for research was fulfilled by presentations covering problems in anatomy, histology, embryology, pathology, forensic medicine, orthopedics, otolaryngology, neurology, urology, radiology, and (endoscopic) surgery as well as in veterinary medicine.

The 4th Biennial Meeting of the ISP on Thursday afternoon was of historical importance for our Society. The bylaws and the constitution of the ISP, correlated by Blake Gubbins were adopted. A slate of officers for the ISP were proposed and elected: President - Robert W Henry; Vice President - Karine Oostrom; Secretary - Andreas Weiglein; Treasurer - Ronald Wade; Editor - Dale Ulmer; Assistant Editor - Wayne Lyons.  Both the inventor of plastination , Dr. Gunther v. Hagens, and founder and executive director of ISP for 12 years, Dr. Harmon Bickley, were elected "distinguished members" of the ISP. Finally, Brisbane, Australia , received the honor of hosting   the   8th   International   conference   on Plastination in 1996. Good luck to Robbie Boyes!

There were many outstanding social events such as the reception in the city hall by the Mayor of Graz, the reception in the castle by the Governor of Styria, and a sightseeing tour through the old town of Graz. However, the social highlight of the conference, which was enjoyed past midnight , was the "Styrian evening" in the surroundings of the beautiful "Landhaus" -the headquarters of the Styrian government.

The excellent facilities at the Institute of Anatomy in Graz, the friendly and competent team of this institute, including the head of the department , Prof. Anderhuber , who was with us most of the time, made this conference a real success. The hospitality of Graz and six hot and sunny days added to the delight of this memorable week. This was confirmed by many letters, of which I wish to cite two sentences which are representative of all the letters:

"The Institute of anatomy in Graz is a model academic institution which serves as the standard for other institutions to follow." (Wayne Smith, Texas).

"The final night of stories, laughter and farewells was quite emotional and with all truthfulness it was rather difficult to leave Graz the next  morning. Many firm friendships have developed as a result of the congress"  (Peter Cook, New Zealand).

Looking forward to meeting you all in Brisbane, Australia,  1996.

Andreas H. Weiglein, M.D. ISA Secretary