A series of essays discuss in a semi-technical way the philosophical, theoretical, and applied aspects of cybernetics and bionics. Of particular interest to educators is the author's discussion of the implications of cybernetics for pedagogical methodology. He predicts that education in the future will concentrate on a teaching systems approach, data retrieval, and problem solving, rather than insisting on the memorization of large bodies of knowledge. Cybernetics will aid education in many ways, he says, such as in automating the retrieval and storage of data, in determining the optimum volume and content of educational need for society, production, science, and the national interest, and in planning and locating the number and types of schools. He cites the usefulness of applying the essentials of automatic control systems to education in order to discover the general laws which will optimize the process of education. Other essays deal with the cybernetic aspects of such fields as space medicine, history, eugenics, politics, health care, marine science, entomology, and behavior analysis. A glossary is provided. (JY)