MCAD: Key historical developments

With an eye toward future developments, the most salient events in the history of MCAD, the ones with very largest impact, are presented to create a concise review identifying the major factors that have shaped its current incarnation in the workplace. In anticipation of the unification of CAD and engineering analysis, something that is likely to evoke a sea change involving many aspects in both fields, this history is intended to provide some cultural and scientific context to facilitate the accommodations that will be required for a rapid and smooth transition.