Philip Handler

Commentary: On the State of Man

Under the terms of Public Law 480, some food was provided as outright gifts in emergency situations; most was made available by concessional sales, below cost, with payments accepted as credits against local currencies. That program, designed primarily to protect the American farmer against the aberrations of the domestic market rather than to alleviate hunger abroad, permitted this country to assist millions beyond our borders. It demonstrated the power of a food reserve, and it encouraged the continuing increase in the productivity of American agriculture.

Sociotechnology: Science, technology, and the human condition: The impact of science and engineering on citizens is great, despite their questionable impact on social institutions

While technology has been clearly beneficial to many people, it has been of dubious value in improving mans social condition. Government, personal, and family relations are not better ¿ and may even have deteriorated ¿ since the advent of sophisticated technologies. What follows is a broad overview of science and technology-directed change in the human condition in the United States. The intent is not to be exhaustive but rather to stimulate thought and debate.

Science's Continuing Role

neuvering around many shoals, and all have reason to be pleased and proud. This building, which bears one of the most distinguished names in the history of American biology, has been made possible by the vision and efforts of that not-to-be-trusted older generation. It is a token of the successful operation of our pluralistic society, made possible by private initiative, an enlightened government, the generosity and imagination of private foundations, and the functioning of private industry. It is an expression of their confidence that science has yet much to contribute to the life of these

Of Questions and Committees

The organizational structure by which this charge is implemented is the National Research Council, as described in the NRC report of 1976.1 From this unique enterprise there flows a stream of reports to the government and to the American people, concerning subject matter the diversity of which can best be appreciated from the titles of the reports issued in 1976.

A Voice of Conscience Is Stilled

On the afternoon of May 18, 1973, members of his family, colleagues and friends gathered in a flower-banked chamber of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. to pay tribute to Eugene Rabinowitch. The beautiful memorial service was illuminated by a series of eulogies, spoken by close associates of the Bulletins editor-in-chief. They heightened the realization of loss in the passing of one of the great scientist-humanists of the twentieth century.Herewith we publish excerpts from some of the eulogies which describe the life and work of Eugene Rabinowitch and which reflect his philosophy. These remarks are followed by messages from members of the world scientific community which Eugene Rabinowitch served as a powerful voice of conscience.