  The article provides an historical survey of the early contributions on the
applications of fractional calculus in linear viscoelasticty. The period under
examination covers four decades, since 1930's up to 1970's and authors are from
both Western and Eastern countries. References to more recent contributions may
be found in the bibliography of the author's book. This paper reproduces, with
Publisher's permission, Section 3.5 of the book: F. Mainardi, Fractional
Calculus and Waves in Linear Viscoelasticity, Imperial College Press - London
and World Scienti?c - Singapore, 2010.
