Without the benefit of either medical or psychiatric training, Chen Kuan-jen has helped thousands of handicapped persons to start a new life. After years of research, he has finally produced artificial limbs which not only looks like a natural ones, but also can perform most of their functions.

Now the owner of a company making artificial limbs in Taipei, Chen recalls how he started in the line when his father lost his left leg in a car accident some 20 years ago. With the guidance of his father, Chen and his brothers started research into improving the artificial limbs available at that time. Using the theory of the motorcycle clutch, the Chens eventually produced limbs which could function in much the same way as real ones. Though Chen received little formal education, he is intelligent and has a zest for research. In addition to studying the artificial limbs made in Taiwan, the Chens toured Western countries to incorporate all the latest technology available in the field. Six years ago, with the assistance of Lee Wei-kuo, an artificial limb specialist studying in the United States, Chen's company achieved a breakthrough in developing syndicated artificial limbs. Recently, it won patent rights from the governments of the Republic of China, the United States and West Germany.

Over the past few years, the Teh Lin Prosthetic & Orthopaedic Inc. located in the Wanhua district of Taipei, has benefited some 5,000 handicapped people. Chang Chun-fu, a student of the College of Chinese Culture, is one of them. Even though three years ago his foot was severed in an accident, Chang can still lead a normal college life, thanks to a hydraulic-controlled artificial limb he has had fitted. Another man whose right hand was severed now continues his career using an artificial hand which is controlled electronically. Other people of all ages and backgrounds have started a new life with the help of Chen's devices.

To make custom-fitted artificial limbs, Chen first applies five layers of silk to the remaining part of the original limb, which is then covered with layers of plaster cast to form a mold. He uses a small steel saw to cut open the plaster cast, and the limb is ready a few days later.

Before they can use the limbs effectively, however, the patients must undergo rehabilitation training. On the second floor of the premises of the Teh Lin Inc., a rehabilitation center is fitted with equipment such as horizontal bars, parallel bars, bicycle, and four-step staircase to train patients in such matters as balance and direction. After being covered with plastic "skin" the artificial limb closely resembles a real one. Usually it takes a week to a month for a handicapped person to fully control an artificial limb.

Another improvement Chen has introduced to his devices is a joint or joints to ease maneuverability. Artificial legs are in the same shape as real ones when the patient sits down. Artificial hands are fixed with electronic components which enable the user to perform such functions as writing and eating. One of the assistants in Chen's office has been fitted with a pair of artificial hands.

In addition to handicapped local people, several foreigners from countries in Southeast Asia have benefited from Chen's therapy. The cost of between US$800-US$1,700 is also much cheaper than that charged in most foreign countries.

About two-thirds of the components used in making artificial limbs are produced by Chen's company, while the rest is imported, including FRP plastics from Japan, special steel from West Germany. In addition to complete artificial limbs, the company also exports some processed components for assembly. The biggest market is Japan, but exports to Southeast Asia, South Africa and Mexico are growing.

Today, Chen's factory has more than 70 employees, 15 of whom have themselves been fitted with artificial limbs. Their cheerfulness and ability to cope has been an inspiration to Chen's patients when they go to his center.

[Picture Caption]

Left: Chen Kuan-jen visits the rehabilitation center every day to instruct with patience and love the patients how to control their artificial limbs, so as to carry out his father's will. Above: Thanks to a pair of electronically-controlled artificial hands, this young man is able to write.

Left: With the help of an artificial leg, this girl can walk normally. Below: The interior workings of the leg.

After receiving rehabilitation training on the parallel bars (1), and bicycle (2), the handicapped are tested on a sophisticated machine (4). If any adjustment is needed (3), the machine will indicate it.

Thanks to a pair of electronically-controlled artificial hands, this young man is able to write.

Thanks to a pair of electronically-controlled artificial hands, this young man is able to write.

With the help of an artificial leg, this girl can walk normally.

With the help of an artificial leg, this girl can walk normally.

The interior workings of the leg.

After receiving rehabilitation training on the parallel bars （1）,.

the handicapped are tested on a sophisticated machine.

the machine will indicate it.

If any adjustment is needed.