Introduction

The genesis of chairs and sitting is not known. A primitive version of the chair was discovered in the Toro ruins in Japan, circa 100 AD. During the Middle Ages, chairs were also used by high-level samurai who commanded field operations, and by priests during religious ceremonies. Given this, it is surprising that chairs did not predominate until recently. In Japan, citizens began to use chairs during the Meiji era. Chairs became available to the emerging leisure classes during the reign of Louis XIV. Chairs are increasingly becoming lighter, safer, stronger, and more stable, and at less cost and with less waste. Some chairs have become 'intelligent', and impart 'memories' to accommodate different users, tasks, and positions. The objectives of this committee are: to help organizations evaluate chairs; to provide users with information to improve their seated comfort; and, to promote an exchange of information between users and manufacturers.