Introduction

In this chapter, we have concentrated on early observations that helped to open up new avenues of research, brought about greater understanding of hemorrhagic and arterial thromboembolic disorders, and in some instances led to new diagnostic methods and novel treatments for the complications of atherosclerosis. Over the years, technological developments have provided more and more tools for investigation. In the 1950s, electron microscopy began to reveal the fine structure of platelets, platelet aggregates, and thrombi. In the 1960s, aggregometers stimulated experiments with aggregating agents and their inhibitors; now, the pace has quickened with the introduction of flow cytometry, molecular biology techniques, monoclonal antibodies, genetically engineered animals and other new approaches.

Findings from research in other fields have frequently been applied to platelets, and knowledge about platelet functions has increased exponentially in the last 50 years. Time and time again, several groups almost simultaneously reported similar new results, but seldom has the rivalry been acrimonious. Some of the key players in the years between 1950 and 1980 have retired or are no longer with us, but this brief history mentions a few of the many contributions they made when the field was young.

Since other chapters will deal with recent findings, we have not attempted to provide a detailed history of the many new topics under investigation, such as the signalling pathways in platelets.