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Primordial pattern is the name given by Grigg to the curve representing the response of many biologic systems to a single stimulus. This curve consists of a fast ascent and a lingering descent. The equation had been chosen empirically to describe the primordial pattern. This equation taken in isolation does not reveal its close interconnection with the physical world. In this paper it is seen as one of the solutions of a second‐order damped system representable by the differential equation with zero initial displacement but some initial velocity. Such a system involves contributing responses by components of threekinds: inertial, restoring and resistive. This observation should stimulate scientists to extract these different components from any biologic response. The resistive component is a term proportional to the first derivative of the response with respect to time. Evidence for the necessity of this frictional component to obtain a primordial pattern is presented. Such frictional component imparts to a process an irreversible character in agreement with Poincarés thermodynamic formulation and provides the physico‐mathematical substrata to the concept of biologic relativity, namely: as the primordial pattern runs its course, there occurs an incessant change, not only in the recorded response, but also in the respondent's reactivity. This paper offers a unifying view of biology and physics. It should be the task of biologists henceforth to try to find the pertinent analogies with inertial, restoring and resistive components of biologic entities and responses. As an example, consider the fact that the primordial pattern requires of necessity the existence of frictional elements within the system. It will be of great interest to look into these elements and try to identify them. Then, perhaps, they could be manipulated from outside the system to increase or diminish them for mankind's advantage.

I. Describes the background to the standards. Outlines the details of the AAMI′s Safe Current Limits for Electromedical Equipment and the debate concerning whether US standards should be changed to match those in use in Europe. II. Details the essentials of the Act, including: what is medical waste?; who is required to register?; storage; new disposal systems; and enforcement, penalties and local ordinances.

Two items are highlighted: I. The pros and cons of food irradiation and public reaction to this; II. the stringency which which medical wastes disposal should be regulated especially when compared to other possibly hazardous wastes.

After analysing the differences between ionising and non‐ionising radiations, the author considers the interaction between radiations and the environment, in particular that affecting human tissues. The mechanism of the interaction is described in detail. It is shown that no consensus exists at present as to whether the electric or magnetic field is biologically important. Another difficulty is that roles of field strength, duration of exposure, and intermittent versus continuous exposure are also unknown at present. It is maintained that several years of research in biomedical sciences are needed to determine what components of exposure are the factors in health disorders induced by electromagnetic fields.

I. Explains the two processes and gives the advantages of Ethylene Oxide. Examines the regulations to protect the environment and possible hazards to employees. II. Explains the technology of irradiating food to destroy bacteria and gives reasons why the procedure is being blocked in the USA. III. Looks at factors to be considered in designing assembly workstations and the benefits to be derived from such designs.

Three items are highlighted: I. The recall of L‐tryptophan by the USA Food and Drug Administration because of its near certain causal relation to eosinophilia‐myalgia syndrome; II. The reprinting of an important editorial by D.T. Curry expressing concern at the increasing automatonisation of tasks that formerly required the practice of sophisticated human skills; III. A discussion of the human genome project in terms of costs, time, possible benefits and hazards, and public concern.

I. Investigates the need for “building clean” rather than “first build and clean later”. This is to eradicate/reduce microbes in areas therefore reducing also the risk of contamination. II. Examines France′s role in the nuclear industry and also its record of insignificant “incidents” regarding safety. France also exports nuclear plants to other countries, so clarifying its safety record. III. Looks at, particularly, DDT and other pesticides and their effects on the environment.