The osteogenic potential of bone and bone matrix has been characterised only by its biological effects and the parameters influencing it. Recently, the osteoinductive ability of bone matrix had been defined chemically by the description of a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), and the parameters of osteogenic factors from different species have now been recognised. The current state of isolation, purification and characterisation of these factors is summarised in this review. General aspects of the isolation and testing of BMP preparations, and the results of orthotopic application of BMP implants, including clinical cases, are reported.