[Fundamentals of the biomechanics of hard tissues]

On the basis of an analysis of such methods that have led to the establishment of the Newtonian laws some problems of the interdisciplinary agreement between mechanics and biology, especially those concerning hard tissues, were discussed. In the light of examples it is shown that comparisons with technical constructions to explain form and function of bones are not sufficient since similarity of form is no proof of identical function. Mechanical phenomena of living matter can be investigated merely by their own movements whereby the differing qualities and reactions of the material have to be taken into priority consideration.