E. Lloyd Du Brul
Encyclopedia
Biomechanics
Biomechanics is the application of mechanical principles to biological systems, such as humans, animals, plants, organs, and cells. Perhaps one of the best definitions was provided by Herbert Hatze in 1974: "Biomechanics is the study of the structure and function of biological systems by means of...
of the head and neck.
Du Brul, along with Harry Sicher, wrote the textbook Sicher's and Du Brul's Oral Anatomy, considered to be the definitive oral anatomy text (Ishiyaku EuroAmerica Inc., publisher). The book has been published in English, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. Du Brul also authored or co-authored four other books and contributed to seven others, including writing the "Form and Function, Biological" section of the 15th edition of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1974. He contributed many articles, abstracts, and book reviews to scientific journals from the 1940s through the 1980s.
An accomplished artist, Du Brul drew many of the illustrations that appeared in his books and with his articles.
His teaching career included appointments at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 1939–42, and Polyclinic Hospital, 1940–42, both in New York City; and the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry
- About :The University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry evolved from the Columbian Dental College, founded in Chicago in 1891.The College informally affiliated with the University of Illinois in 1901, and was chartered as an official College of the University in 1913...
, 1946-77. At the College, he founded the Department of Oral Anatomy and served as its head from 1964-1977.
Well-known for his imaginative teaching style, Du Brul pioneered the concept that, in biomechanics, function follows form. A student of mechanics
Mechanics
Mechanics is the branch of physics concerned with the behavior of physical bodies when subjected to forces or displacements, and the subsequent effects of the bodies on their environment....
, architecture
Architecture
Architecture is both the process and product of planning, designing and construction. Architectural works, in the material form of buildings, are often perceived as cultural and political symbols and as works of art...
, and engineering
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
, he was the first dental instructor to apply these disciplines to the understanding of jaw and skull movement.
For 50 years, Du Brul travelled the world collecting human, animal, and prehistoric skeletal artifacts, personally dissecting and preparing many of them for teaching. The collection is housed in the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry.
Du Brul earned his DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
There are a number of first professional degrees in dentistry offered by schools in various countries around the world. These include the following:* Doctor of Dental Surgery * Doctor of Dental Medicine * Bachelor of Dentistry...
degree from New York University
New York University
New York University is a private, nonsectarian research university based in New York City. NYU's main campus is situated in the Greenwich Village section of Manhattan...
in 1937. He later earned an MS
Master of Science
A Master of Science is a postgraduate academic master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is typically studied for in the sciences including the social sciences.-Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay:...
degree in 1949 and a PhD
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated as Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil , in English-speaking countries, is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities...
degree in 1955 at the University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Illinois at Chicago
The University of Illinois at Chicago, or UIC, is a state-funded public research university located in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Its campus is in the Near West Side community area, near the Chicago Loop...
.
During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, Du Brul distinguished himself while serving in Europe under General George S. Patton
George S. Patton
George Smith Patton, Jr. was a United States Army officer best known for his leadership while commanding corps and armies as a general during World War II. He was also well known for his eccentricity and controversial outspokenness.Patton was commissioned in the U.S. Army after his graduation from...
in the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
4th Auxiliary Surgical Group. He led a team that handled over 500 face repairs under enemy fire.
Du Brul's wife was concert pianist Florence Kirsch Du Brul
Florence Kirsch Du Brul
Florence Kirsch Du Brul was a concert pianist and master piano teacher and member of Chicago society in the mid-20th century....
.