The BioCommunications Association was
founded at Yale University in 1931 as
the Biological Photographic Association
(BPA) by 38 photographers who recognized
the need to exchange technical information
and to recognize professional excellence.
One of their number, C. Graham Eddy,
first coined the word 'biophotography'
in an article published in the Association's
Journal.
In the early years, BPA members pioneered
in many areas - the first slow-motion
film of the human heart, flourescien
angiography of the human brain, infrared
documentation of the Dead Sea Scrolls,
and the first photomicrographic mapping
of motor-nerve endings were just a few
of the milestone events recorded by
BPA members. The Museum and Medical
Arts service of the US Armed Services
(WWII) was the brainchild of BPA members,
as was the peacetime medical illustration
service of the Veterans Administration.
Members of the Association have contributed
to many moments in history – for
example, a BPA member (and later Registered
Biological Photographer) documented
the autopsy performed on President John
F. Kennedy. They have produced landmark
works, such as Dr. Roger Loveland's
definitive two-volume treatise on photomicrography.
Additionally, every Director of Scientific
Imaging at Eastman Kodak Company has
been a member of the BCA.
Over the decades, images by members
have appeared in the pages of major
scientific journals and textbooks, in
meetings and presentations at international
conferences and educational institutions
as well as the popular press and magazines.
As leaders in communication media for
medicine, BPA members have produced
such innovative programs as the first
nationally broadcast coverage of open
heart surgery on the PBS network and
have used video motion analysis to help
the Los Angeles Dodgers keep their winning
pitchers healthy.
Through the work of BCA members, biological
imaging continues to help write the
history of medical and scientific discovery!
