In a recent commentary paper [Trends in Biotechnology, vol. 9, pp. 218-220 (1991)], Max J. Kennedy has traced the first use of the term "biotechnology" back to 1919 by a Hungarian agricultural economist. In its contemporary meaning, however, the term was established by Elmer Gaden, Jr. in 1962 in an Editorial upon renaming the Journal of Biochemical and Microbiological Technology and Engineering to Biotechnology & Bioengineering (vol. 4, pp. 1-3). In this, still valid broad definition, "Biotechnology embraces all aspects of the exploitation and control of biological systems and their activities." In the following two decades, and before the advent of recombinant-DNA technologies, the papers published in B&B established more specifically what was meant by biotechnology at the time: studies, techniques, control schemes, devices, methods, and organisms necessary for understanding and employing biological systems (organisms or their components) for practically useful processes. Applications spanned the activities of several already recognizable disciplines: fermentation engineering, applied microbiology, environmental science and engineering, food science and engineering, chemical engineering, and, the then newly molded, biochemical engineering. The papers published in B&B originated from