In the 25 y since their introduction, semi-rigid and inflatable penile implants have become remarkably dependable mechanical instruments associated with high patient satisfaction. This report attempts to quantify the historical milestones of significance pertaining to these devices. As with any historical 'best of ' list, there will be controversy and omissions. Three broad topics contributing to the advancement of penile prosthetic surgery, devices and techniques are discussed: (1) Prosthetic design changes contributing to freedom from revision: distention controlled cylinders, Bioflex cylinders, connectionless systems and reservoir lockout valves; (2) Instrument innovations to facilitate prosthetic surgery: Scott retractor, Furlow inserter, Brooks dilators, Carrion-Rossello cavernotomes; (3) Clever surgical applications: SST repair, transverse scrotal incision, modeling for Peyronie's disease, salvage for infection and natural tissue repair. International Journal of Impotence Research (2000) 12, Suppl 4, S101-S107.