A brief history of the development of stromal stem cells (stem cells of the skeleton).

In all aspects of communication the meanings of words and definitions are of paramount importance for clear understanding and transmission of ideas. However, these meanings may change with time so that words and phrases take on different interpretations. Furthermore, the way words are used in writing significantly affects the conveyance of ideas from one mind to another.1 In the long history of the study of the histogenesis of bone we see some of these changes in meaning and understanding of concepts that have perhaps contributed to serious misinterpretation of the ideas of some investigators in the field. It is hoped that this brief historical perspective may explain and clarify at least some of the problems that have resulted.