The history of monitoring neuromuscular conduction dates back to the 16th century when studies were conducted on curare, a plant-derived toxin used by Native Americans to poison arrows. Later studies made it possible to describe the concept of the neuromuscular junction, but it was not until the 20th century that the mediator acetylcholine was isolated. Measurement of neuromuscular transmission gained clinical importance when it became apparent that almost half of the patients who received a long-acting muscle relaxant were admitted to the post-operative room with incomplete resolution of neuromuscular block. Today, neuromuscular junction measurement devices using acceleromiography are becoming standard equipment in the operating theatre.