It has long been recognized that there are problems in obtaining the desired accuracies in elastomer testing. Improvements in accuracy result from taking direct measurements of the displacement and the load generated across the sample being tested. This more direct method, called the Transmitted Force Method, is traced from its initial concept through its stages of development, by different investigators, to the present state-of-the-art. Included in this discussion is the basic concept and underlying theory of this test method, along with a description of measurement techniques.