Systems Theory and Biology-View of a Biologist.- Multi-level Systems and Biology-View of a Submolecular Biologist.- Systems Theory and Biology-View of a Theoretician.- Biochemical Regulations.- Differentiation in the Cellular Slime Mold.- Transformations, Semigroups, and Metabolism.- A Continuous System Model of Adrenocortical Function.- A Finite State Model for the Control of Adrenal Corticosteroid Secretion.- Formulation of Finite State Models of Biological Control Systems.- New Developments in System Theory Relevant to Biology.- Some Quantitative Aspects Concerning the Trophic Role of the Nerve Cell.- Functional Components of Systems Controlling Behavior in Some Primitive Animals.- The Brain Stem Core-An Integrative Matrix.- Some Mechanisms for a Theory of The Reticular Formation.- The Functional System as a Unit of Organism Integrative Activity.

By J OHN A. HRONES Provost, Case Institute 0/ Technology SYSTEMS have been the subject of man's study for many hundreds of years. Thus, the solar system has been the concern of the astronomer. The study of the allocation of material and human resources within the boundaries of an industrial firm or a government has been the concern of the economist. The subject of such studies have been widely known as economic systems. Medieal men have worked with the human body. Thus, man has attempted to deal with a complicated array of interconnected elements since the very earliest of recorded time. In his attcmpt to improve his understanding of physieal systems the need to concentrate on a specific kind of system, e.g., the solar system. the human body, became more imperative. However in recent years there has begun to grow and develop an increasing number of people who are working on thc development of general systems theory and analysis. Such a development is based upon the belief that certain view points, certain kinds of mathematics and technologieal procedures can be applied to a wide variety of important systems with considerable profit. The pres­ sures for the development of such a body of knowledge grew with the de­ velopment of a technologieal socicty.