Gauge Theory of Elementary Interactions

F and D couplings of baryons and mesons are shown to arise naturally with a simple extension of the gauge formalism to a ${(S{U}₃×{}S{U}₃)}L×{}{(S{U}₃×{}S{U}₃)}R$ group structure. In its general formulation the theory needs parity doubltets of (0+) and (0-) ninefolds. It admits of (two types of $F$ and $D$ coupled) (1+) and (1-) vector and axial-vector meson multiplets, a specially attractive combination of currents which emerges from the formalism being an equal mixture of vector $F$ with axial-vector $D$ [the case of ${(S{U}₃)}L×{}{(S{U}₃)}R$]. The theory also admits an approximate (Bronzan-Low) type of quantum number.