Re: When and for what purpose were cyanoacrylates developed?

Dear Mike

Thank you for your question about cyanoacrylates the well-known superstar 
of modern adhesion knowen as "Super Glue.

Cyanoacrylates were discovered in 1942 in a search for materials to make 
clear plastic gun sights for the second world war. The American 
researchers quickly rejected cyanoacrylates because they stuck to 
everything. In 1951 cyanoacrylates were re discovered by Eastman Kodak 
researchers Harry Coover and Fred Joyner who recognized its true 
potential.

In 1958 Dr. Coover appeared on the TV show "I've Got a Secret" and lifted 
the host Gary Moore off the floor with a single drop of the stuff. You can 
still see this stunt in Crazy Glue advertisements.

In Europe, and now in the United States, Super Glue is routinely used in 
surgery, replacing stiches and clamps, actually gluing human flesh and 
internal organs.

More information about Super Glue can be found by typing Bruce 
Sterling.Super Glue into your web browser search engine.

Sincerely

Tony Gaglierd