The evolution of biomedical engineering from the engineering approach of earlier biomedical workers is described, and some of the lessons learned before and during the transition are considered. An approach to this subject is made by separating the application to biomedical research from that to clinical medicine. Recent technological ideas of organ and function replacement are discussed followed by that of computer usage in various areas of biomedicine. A critical assessment of present achievements is attempted, and the possible future of biomedical engineering is discussed.