Wood science covers in particular the areas of the formation and composition as well as the chemical, biological and physical-mechanical properties of wood. First comprehensive studies have already been published in the last century. Detailed knowledge of wood is required for the processing of wood, the production of wood-based materials, and the utilization of wood and wood-based materials as buildings and various other products such as furniture. This review gives a brief overview on the progress in wood chemistry, wood biology (including photosynthesis and biodeterioration), and physical-mechanical properties of wood and wood-based materials. These fundamentals are also essential for understanding technological processes and product development.