This small book intends to build a bridge between the aspects of Optics and of Mechanics that are involved in the application of holographie interferometry to deformation analysis of opaque bodies. As such, it follows in some way the footsteps ofthe late Prof. H. Favre, who already in 1927 proposed to use interferometry for deformation measurements (refer to his thesis "Sur une nouveHe methode optique de determination des tensions interieures"). Many a concept also originates from the research and lectures of Prof. W. Prager in continuum mechanies, Profs. D. C. Drucker and C. Mylonas in experimental mechanics, Prof. C. R. Steele in sheH theory and Prof. W. Lukosz in physieal optics. Further stimulation arose in dis- cussions about holography with Profs. R. Dandliker, J. Der Hovanesian and H. Tiziani as weH as with Drs. B. Ineiehen and F. M. Mottier. The contribution of Drs. W. Wuthrich, P. Bohler and G. Teichmann must also be acknowledged, the latter more partieularly for rendering valuable assistance on the delieate points of tensor calculus as weH as in the drawing of the figures. FuH gratitude must also be expressed to those who made the publication of this book possible: Dr. D. MacAdam who openheartedly accepted it in his series, Dr. H. Lotsch and the collab- orators of Springer-Verlag, Mr. P. Hagnauer who revised the original text and Mrs. L. Wehrli whose patience was tried in carefully typing the manuscript, whieh Mr. F. Dufour read over again.