1
               Securities Act of 1933 File No.___________________

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM T-1

               --------------------------------------------------



                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY

                     UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939

                 OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE

                      PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b) (2) / X /

               --------------------------------------------------



                        STAR BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

              (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)

        A National Banking Association          31-0841368
                                      --------------------------------
                                      (IRS Employer Identification No.)

        425 Walnut Street
        Cincinnati, Ohio                                  45202
        ----------------------------------------         -------
        (Address of Principal Executive Offices         (Zip Code)


               -------------------------------------------------

                               Keith A. Maurmeier
                              Senior Trust Officer
                        Star Bank, National Association
                               425 Walnut Street
                             Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
                                 (513) 632-2047

          (Name, address, and telephone number of agent for services)
          -----------------------------------------------------------

                           MERIDIAN DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
          -----------------------------------------------------------
              (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)

               Ohio                                   31-0888197
       ----------------------              -------------------------------
      (State of Incorporation)            (IRS Employer Identification No.)

           3471 River Hills Drive Cincinnati, OH          45244
     -------------------------------------------------  ----------
          (Address of principal executive offices)      (Zip Code)

                     % Subordinated Debentures Due  2006
                     -----------------------------------

                      (Title of the Indenture securities)


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1.      GENERAL INFORMATION.            Furnish the following information as
        Trustee --

        (a)     Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to
                which it is subject.

                Comptroller of the Currency, Washington, D.C. Federal Reserve
                Bank of Cleveland, Ohio Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
                Washington, D.C.

        (b)     Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

                The Trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

2.      AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR.      If  the obligor is an affiliate of
                the trustee, describe each such affiliation. The obligor is not
                an affiliate of the Trustee (including its parent and any
                affiliates).

3.      VOTING SECURITIES OF THE TRUSTEE.       Furnish the following

                information as to each class of voting securities of the trustee
                (and its parent). As of _____________ (insert date within 31
                days)

             Col A.                                          Col B
        ----------------                             --------------------
        (Title of Class)                             (Amount Outstanding)

4.      TRUSTEESHIPS UNDER OTHER INDENTURES.    If the trustee is a
                trustee under another Indenture under which any other
                securities, or certificates of interest or participation in any
                other securities, of the obligor are outstanding, furnish the
                following information:

                (a)     Title of the securities outstanding under each such
                        other indenture.

                (b)     A brief statement of the facts relied upon as a basis
                        for the claim that no conflicting interest within the
                        meaning of Section 310(b) (1) of the Act arises as a
                        result of the trusteeship under any such other
                        indenture, including a statement as to how the indenture
                        securities will rank as compared with the securities
                        issued under such other indenture.


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5.      INTERLOCKING DIRECTORATES AND SIMILAR RELATIONSHIPS  WITH THE OBLIGOR 
                OR UNDERWRITERS. If the trustee (including its parent and any
                other affiliates) or any of the directors or executive officers
                of the trustee is a director, officer, partner, employee,
                appointee, or representative of the obligor or of any
                underwriter for the obligor, identify each such person having
                any such connection and state the nature of each such
                connection.

6.      VOTING SECURITIES OF THE TRUSTEE (INCLUDING ITS PARENT AND ANY 
        AFFILIATE) OWNED BY THE OBLIGOR OR ITS OFFICIALS. Furnish the following
        information as to the voting securities of the trustee (including its
        parent and any affiliates) owned beneficially by the obligor and each
        director, partner and executive officer of the obligor:
           As of _______________________ (insert date within 31 days)


                                                                       
        Col. A.                 Col. B.                 Col. C                  Col. D

                                                                                Percentage of
                                                                                Voting Securities
                                                                                Represented by
                                                        Amount Owned            Amount Given
        Name of Owner           Title of Class          Beneficially            in Col. C
        -------------           --------------          ------------            -----------------


7.      VOTING SECURITIES OF THE TRUSTEE (INCLUDING ITS PARENT AND ANY 
        AFFILIATES) OWNED BY UNDERWRITERS OR THEIR OFFICIALS. Furnish the
                following information as to the voting securities of the trustee
                (including its parent and any affiliates) owned beneficially by
                each underwriter for the obligor and each director, partner, and
                executive officer of each such underwriter:
                    As of ___________________(insert date within 31 days)


                                                                       
        Col. A.                 Col. B.                 Col. C                  Col. D

                                                                                Percentage of
                                                                                Voting Securities
                                                                                Represented by
                                                        Amount Owned            Amount Given
        Name of Owner           Title of Class          Beneficially            in Col. C
        -------------           --------------          ------------            -----------------



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8.      SECURITIES OF THE OBLIGOR OWNED OR HELD BY THE TRUSTEE (INCLUDING ITS 
        PARENT AND ANY AFFILIATES). Furnish the following information as to
        securities of the obligor owned beneficially or held as collateral
        security for obligations default by the trustee (including its parent
        and any affiliates):
                    As of ___________________(insert date within 31 days)


                                                                       
        Col. A                  Col. B                  Col. C                  Col. D
                                                        Amount Owned
                                Whether the             Beneficially or 
                                Securities Are          Held as Collateral      Percent of
                                Voting or               Security for            Class Represented
                                Nonvoting               obligations in          by Amount Given
        Title of Class          Securities              Default                 in Col. C
        --------------          ----------              -------                 -----------------


9.      SECURITIES OF UNDERWRITERS OWNED OR HELD BY THE TRUSTEE (INCLUDING ITS
        PARENT AND ANY AFFILIATES). If the trustee (including its parent and any
        affiliates) owns beneficially or holds as collateral security for
        obligations in default any securities of an underwriter for the obligor,
        furnish the following information as to each class of securities of such
        underwriter any of which are so owned or held by the trustee:


                                                                       
        Col. A                  Col. B                  Col. C                  Col. D
                                                        Amount Owned
                                                        Beneficially or
                                                        Held as Collateral      Percent of
                                                        Security for            Class Represented
        Title of Issuer                                 Obligations in          by Amount
        and Title of            Amount                  Default by              Given in
        Class                   Outstanding             Trustee                 Col. C
        -----                   -----------             -------                 -----------------


10.     OWNERSHIP OR HOLDINGS BY THE TRUSTEE (INCLUDING ITS PARENT AND ANY
        AFFILIATES) OF VOTING SECURITIES OF CERTAIN AFFILIATES OR SECURITY
        HOLDERS OF THE OBLIGOR. If the trustee (including its parent and any
        affiliates) owns beneficially or holds as collateral security for
        obligations in default voting securities of a person who, to the
        knowledge of the trustee (1) owns 10% or more of the voting securities


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        of the obligor or (2) is an affiliate, other than a subsidiary, of the
        obligor, furnish the following information as to the voting securities
        of such person:
                As of _______________________(insert date within 31 days)


                                                                       
        Col. A                  Col. B                  Col. C                  Col. D
                                                        Amount Owned
                                                        Beneficially or
                                                        Held as Collateral      Percent of
                                                        Security for            Class Represented
        Title of Issuer                                 Obligations in          by Amount
        and Title of            Amount                  Default by              Given in
        Class                   Outstanding             Trustee                 Col. C
        -----                   -----------             -------                 -----------------



11.     OWNERSHIP OR HOLDINGS BY THE TRUSTEE (INCLUDING ITS PARENT AND ANY
        AFFILIATES) OF ANY SECURITIES OF A PERSON OWNING 50 PERCENT OR MORE OF
        THE VOTING SECURITIES OF THE OBLIGOR. If the trustee (including its
        parent and any affiliates) owns beneficially or holds as collateral
        security for obligations in default any securities of a person who, to
        the knowledge of the trustee, owns 50 percent or more of the voting
        securities of the obligor, furnish the following information as to each
        class of securities of such person any of which are so owned or held by
        the trustee (including its parent and affiliates):
                 As of ______________________(insert date within 31 days)


                                                                       
        Col. A                  Col. B                  Col. C                  Col. D
                                                        Amount Owned
                                                        Beneficially or
                                                        Held as Collateral      Percent of
                                                        Security for            Class Represented
        Title of Issuer                                 Obligations in          by Amount
        and Title of            Amount                  Default by              Given in
        Class                   Outstanding             Trustee                 Col. C
        -----                   -----------             -------                 -----------------


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12.     INDEBTEDNESS OF THE OBLIGOR TO THE TRUSTEE. Except as noted in the
        instructions, if the obligor is indebted to the trustee, furnish the
        following information:
                   As of ____________________(insert date with 31 days)


                                                                          
        Col. A                                  Col. B                          Col. C
                                                Amount
        Nature of Indebtedness                  Outstanding                     Due Date
        ----------------------                  -----------                     --------


13.     DEFAULTS BY THE OBLIGOR.

                a)      State whether there is or has been a default with 
                        respect to the securities under this indenture.  
                        Explain the nature of any such default.

                                                -NONE-

                b)      If the Trustee is a trustee under another indenture 
                        under which any other securities, or certificates of
                        interest or participation in any other securities, of
                        the obligor are outstanding, or is trustee for more than
                        one outstanding series or securities under the
                        indenture, state whether there has been a default under
                        any such indenture or series, identify the indenture or
                        series affected, and explain the nature of any such
                        default.
        
                As of__________________(insert date within 31 days)



                                                -NONE-


                                                                       
        Col. A                  Col. B                  Col. C                  Col. D
                                                        Amount Owned
                                                        Beneficially or         Percent of       
                                                        Held as Collateral      Class            
                                                        Security for            Represented      
        Title of Issuer                                 Obligations in          by Amount
        and Title of            Amount                  Default by              Given in
        Class                   Outstanding             Trustee                 Col. C
        -----                   -----------             -------                 ------




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14.     AFFILIATIONS WITH THE UNDERWRITERS. If any underwriter is an affiliate
        of the trustee (including its parent and any affiliates), described each
        such affiliation.

15.     FOREIGN TRUSTEE. Identify the order or rule pursuant to which the
        foreign trustee is authorized to act as sole trustee under indentures
        qualified or to be qualified under the Act.

16.     LIST OF EXHIBITS. List below all exhibits filed as part of this
        statement of eligibility.

        1.      (a)     A copy of the Articles of Association of Star Bank,
                        National Association, Cincinnati (now Star Bank,
                        National Association) as now in effect.

                (b)     A copy of the Amended Articles of Association dated
                        June 14, 1991, changing the name of the association to
                        Star Bank, National Association.

        2.      (a)     A copy of the certificate of authority of The First
                        National Bank of Cincinnati (now Star Bank, National
                        Association) to commence business dated September 1,
                        1922.

                (b)     A copy of a Certificate of the Comptroller of the
                        Currency dated December 21, 1973, authorizing F N
                        National Bank to commence the business of banking.

                (c)     A copy of a Certificate of the Comptroller of the
                        Currency dated December 28, 1973, approving the merger
                        of The First National Bank of Cincinnati (now Star Bank,
                        National Association) into F N National Bank under the
                        title "The First National Bank of Cincinnati" effective
                        January 2, 1974.

                (d)     A copy of a letter dated June 8, 1988, from the
                        Comptroller of the Currency indicating the change in the
                        name of the association to Star Bank, National
                        Association, Cincinnati, effective July 1, 1988.


   8

                (e)     A copy of a letter dated July 15, 1991, from the
                        Comptroller of the Currency indicating the change in the
                        name of the association to Star Bank, National
                        Association, effective June 14, 1991.

        3.      A copy of the authorization of The First National Bank of
                Cincinnati (now Star Bank, National Association) to exercise
                corporate trust powers.

        4.      A copy of existing By-Laws to Star Bank, National Association,
                Cincinnati (now Star Bank, National Association)

        5.      The consent of the Trustee required by section 321 (b) of the
                Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

        6.      A copy of the latest report of condition of Star Bank, National
                Association, published pursuant to law or the requirements of
                its supervising or examining authority.

                                   SIGNATURE

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the
Trustee, Star Bank, National Association, a national banking association
organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly
caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Cincinnati and State
of Ohio on the __________ day of _______________________, 19__________.


                                  STAR BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

                                  By:___________________________________
                                          Keith A. Maurmeier
                                          Senior Trust Officer


   9

                                                                   EXHIBIT 1 (a)
                                                                   -------------

                  STAR BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, CINCINNATI
                                 CHARTER NO. 24
                            ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

FIRST: The title of this Association shall be "Star Bank, National Association,
Cincinnati."*

SECOND: The main office of the Association shall be in the City of Cincinnati,
County of Hamilton, State of Ohio. The general business of the Association shall
be conducted at its main office and its branches.

THIRD: The Board of Directors of this Association shall consist of not less than
five (5) nor more than twenty-five (25) shareholders, the exact number of
Directors within such minimum and maximum limits to be fixed and determined from
time to time by resolution of a majority of the full Board of Directors or by
resolution of the shareholders at any annual or special meeting thereof. Unless
otherwise provided by the laws of the United States, any vacancy in the Board of
Directors for any reason, including an increase in the number thereof, may be
filled by action of the Board of Directors.

FOURTH: The annual meeting of the shareholders for the election of Directors and
the transaction of whatever other business may be brought before said meeting
shall be held at the main office or such other place as the Board of Directors
may designate, on the day of each year specified therefor by the Bylaws, but if
no election is held on that day, it may be held on any subsequent day according
to the provisions of law; and all elections shall be held according to such
lawful regulations as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors.

FIFTH: The authorized amount of capital stock of this Association shall be
3,640,000 shares of common stock of the par value of five dollars ($5.00) each,
but said capital stock may be increased or decreased from time to time, in
accordance with the provisions of the laws of the United States.

No holder of shares of the capital stock of any class of the Association shall
have any pre-emptive or preferential right of subscription to any shares of any
class of stock of the Association, whether now or hereafter authorized, or to
any obligations convertible into stock of the Association issued or sold, nor
any right of subscription to any thereof other than such, if any, as the Board
of Directors, in its discretion, may from time to time determine and at such
price as the Board of Directors may from time to time fix.

The Association, at any time and from time to time, may authorized and issue
debt obligations, whether or not subordinated, without the approval of the
shareholders.

*Amended June 14, 1991, see attached.


   10


SIXTH: The Board of Directors shall appoint one of its members President of this
Association, who shall be Chairman of the Board, unless the Board appoints
another Director to be the Chairman. The Board of Directors shall have the power
to appoint one or more Vice Presidents; and to appoint a Cashier and such other
officers and employees as may be required to transact the business of this
Association. The Board of Directors shall have the power to define the duties of
the officers and employees of the Association; to fix the salaries to be paid to
them; to dismiss them; to require bonds from them and to fix the penalty
thereof; to regulate the manner in which any increase of the capital of the
Association shall be made; to manage and administer the business and affairs of
the Association; to make all Bylaws that it may be lawful for them to make and
generally to do and perform all acts that it may be legal for a Board of
Directors to do and perform.

The Board of Directors, without need for approval of shareholders, shall have
the power to change the location of the main office of this Association, subject
to such limitations as from time to time may be provided by law; and shall have
the power to establish or change the location of any branch or branches of the
Association to any other location, without the approval of the shareholders, but
subject to the approval of the Comptroller of the Currency.

SEVENTH: The corporate existence of this Association shall continue until
terminated in accordance with the laws of the United States.

EIGHTH: The Board of Directors of this Association, the Chairman of the Board,
the President, or any three or more shareholders owning, in the aggregate, not
less twenty-five percent of the stock of this Association, may call a special
meeting of shareholders at any time. Unless otherwise provided by the laws of
the United States, a notice of the time, place, and purpose of every annual and
special meeting of the shareholders shall be given by first-class mail, postage
prepaid, mailed at least ten days prior to the date of such meeting to each
shareholder of record at his address as shown upon the books of this
Association.

NINTH: Any person, his heirs, executors, or administrators, may be indemnified
or reimbursed by the Association for reasonable expenses actually incurred in
connection with any action, suit, or proceeding, civil or criminal, to which he
or they shall be made a party by reason of his being or having been a director,
officer, or employee of the Association or of any firm, corporation, or
organization which he served in any such capacity at the request of the
Association. Provided, however, that no person shall be so indemnified or
reimbursed in relation to any matter in such action, suit, or proceeding as to
which he shall finally be adjudged to have been guilty of or liable for gross
negligence, willful misconduct or criminal acts in the performance of his duties
to the Association; and, provided further, that no person shall be so
indemnified or reimbursed in relation to any matter in such action, suit, or
proceeding which has been made the subject of a compromise settlement except
with the approval of a court of competent jurisdiction, or the holders of record
of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Association, or the Board of
Directors, acting by vote of Directors not parties to the same or substantially
the same action, suit, or proceeding, constituting a majority of the whole
number of Directors. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be
exclusive of other rights to which such person, his heirs, executors, or
administrators, may be entitled as a matter of law. The 


   11

Association may, upon the affirmative vote of a majority of its Board of
Directors, purchase insurance for the purpose of indemnifying its directors,
officers and other employees to the extent that such indemnification is allowed
in the preceding paragraph. Such insurance may, but need not, be for the benefit
of all directors, officers, or employees.

TENTH: These Articles of Association may be amended at any regular or special
meeting of the shareholders by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the stock of this Association, unless the vote of the holders of a greater
amount of stock is required by law and in that case by the vote of the holders
of such greater amount.

                                August 18, 1988


   12


                                                                    EXHIBIT 1(B)
                                                                    ------------

STAR BANC
CORPORATION

                                           June 14, 1991

Deputy Comptroller
Central District
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
One Financial Place
440 S. LaSalle, Suite 2700
Chicago, Illinois 60605

Dear Deputy Comptroller:

                                           Re:     Letter of Notification

        Star Bank, National Association, Cincinnati, Charter #24 intends to
change its corporate title to Star Bank, National Association. The effective
date of the change is June 14, 1991.

        A certified copy of the amendment to the articles of association is
enclosed. The amendment conforms to the requirements of 12 USC 21 a.

                                                   Sincerely,

                                                   /s/

                                                   F. Kristen Koepcke

FKK:bjt
Enclosure


   13


                                                                   EXHIBIT 1 (b)
                                                                   -------------

                 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SHAREHOLDER
                  STAR BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, CINCINNATI

A Special Meeting of the shareholder of Star Bank, National Association,
Cincinnati (the "Bank") was held on June 14, 1991.

Mr. Oliver W. Waddell called the meeting to order and selected Mr. F. Kristen
Koepke to act as Secretary.

The Secretary reported that all the outstanding shares of the Bank were
represented at this meeting and that the shareholder had waived notice of this
special meeting. Therefore, a quorum was present.

Mr. Waddell stated that the purpose of the meeting was to consider a proposed
name change for the Bank as recommended by the Board of Directors. On motion
duly made and carried, the following resolution was adopted:

                RESOLVED, That Article First of the Articles of Association of
                the Bank be amended in its entirely to read as follows:

                FIRST:  The title of this Association shall be "Star Bank,
                        National Association."

There being no further business to come before the meeting, on motion duly made
and carried, the meeting was adjourned.

                                              /s/
                                              ---------------------------
                                              F. Kristen Koepke, Secretary

Approved:

/s/
- ---------------------------------
Oliver W. Waddell
Chairman, Star Banc Corporation,
Shareholder                                   Certified Copy

                                               /s/
                                              --------------------------
                                              Secretary


   14




                                                                   EXHIBIT 2 (a)
                                                                   -------------

        COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY OF THE TRUSTEE TO COMMENCE
                                   BUSINESS:

                                     NO. 24

E Pluribus Unum

                              TREASURY DEPARTMENT

                     Office of Comptroller of the Currency

                                         Washington, D.C., September 1, 1992

        WHEREAS, the Act of Congress of the United States, entitled, "An Act to
amend section 5136, Revised Statutes of the United States, relating to corporate
powers of associations, so as to provide succession thereof for a period of
ninety-nine years or until dissolved, and to apply said section as so amended to
all national banking association", approved by the President on July 1, 1922,
provided that all national banking associations organized and operating under
any law of the United States on July 1, 1992 should have succession until
ninety-nine years from that date, unless such association should be sooner
dissolved by the act of its shareholders owning two-thirds of its stock, or
unless its franchise should become forfeited by reason of violation of law, or
unless it should be terminated by an Act of Congress hereinafter enacted;

        NOW THEREFORE, I, D. R. Crissinger Comptroller of the Currency, do
hereby certify that The First National Bank of Cincinnati and State of Ohio ,
was organized and operating under the laws of the United States on July 1, 1922,
and that its corporate existence was extended for the period of ninety-nine
years from that date in accordance with and subject to the condition in the Act
of Congress hereinbefore recited.

(SEAL)                                    IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, witness my hand
                                          and seal of office this first day of 
                                          September, 1922



                                         (Signed)        D. R. Crissinger
                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Comptroller of the Currency


   15

                                                                   EXHIBIT 2 (b)
                                                                   -------------

                          Comptroller of the Currency

      TREASURY DEPARTMENT                             OF THE UNITED STATES

                                Washington, D.C.

        Whereas, satisfactory evidence has been presented to the Comptroller of
the Currency that "FN NATIONAL BANK". located in CINCINNATI, State of OHIO, has
complied with all provisions of the Statutes of the United States required to be
complied with before being authorized to commence the business of banking as
National Banking Association;

        Now, therefore, I hereby certify that the above-named association is
authorized to commence the business of banking as a National Banking
Association.

                                      In testimony whereof, witness my signature
                                      and seal of office this 21st day of 
                                      December, 1913.

               SEAL

                                      /s/
                                      __________________________________________



   16


                                                                  EXHIBIT 2 (c)
                                                                  -------------

                          Comptroller of the Currency

      TREASURY DEPARTMENT                             OF THE UNITED STATES

                                Washington, D.C.

        WHEREAS, satisfactory evidence has been presented to the Comptroller of
the Currency that all requisite legal and corporate action has been taken, in
accordance with the statutes of the United States, to merge The First National
Bank of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, into FN National Bank, Cincinnati, Ohio,
under the charter of FN National Bank and under the title "The First National
Bank of Cincinnati," with capital stock of $18,200,000;

        NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby certified that such merger was approved
November 29, 1973, and is effective as of the opening of business January 2,
1974.

                             IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF witness my signature and seal
                             of office this 28th day of December, 1973

                SEAL         /S/
                             ------------------------------------
                             James E. Smith
                             Comptroller of the Currency


   17

                                                                    EXHIBIT 2(d)
                                                                    ------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comptroller of the Currency
Administrator of National Banks

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Central District
One Financial Plaza, Suite 2700
440 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois  60605

June 8, 1988

Mr. Raymond D. Beck
Secretary & Counsel
First National Cincinnati Corporation
First National Bank Center
425 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, Ohio  45201-1038

Dear Mr. Beck:

The office of the Comptroller of the Currency acknowledges receipt of your
letters concerning First National Cincinnati Corporation's banking subsidiarys'
title changes and the appropriate amendments to each bank's articles of
association. The Office has recorded the following banks' title changes
effective July 1, 1988.



Old Title                                               New Title
- ---------                                               ---------
                                                     
The First National Bank of Ironton                      Star Bank, National Association,
Ironton, Ohio                                           Tri-State
Charter No. 16607

Farmers and Traders National Bank                       Star Bank, National Association
Hillsboro, Ohio                                         Hillsboro
Charter No.  17646

The First National Bank of Cincinnati                   Star Bank, National Association
Cincinnati, Ohio                                        Cincinnati
Charter No.  24

The First National Bank & Trust Company                 Star Bank, National Association
Troy, Ohio                                              Troy
Charter No.  9336



   18

Page 2
Mr. Raymond D. Beck (cont'd)

                                                     
The Second National Bank of Hamilton                    Star Bank, National Association
Hamilton, Ohio                                          Butler County
Charter No.  17200

The Second National Bank of Richmond                    Star Bank, National Association
Richmond, Indiana                                       Eastern Indiana
Charter No.  1988

The First National Bank of Aurora                       Star Bank, National Association
Aurora, Indiana                                         Aurora
Charter No.  699

The Peoples National Bank of Lawrenceburg               Star Bank, National Association
Lawrenceburg, Indiana                                   Southeastern Indiana
Charter No.  2612

Newport National Bank                                   Star Bank, National Association
Newport, Kentucky                                       Campbell County
Charter No.  4765

The First National Bank                                 Star Bank, National Association
Sidney, Ohio                                            Sidney
Charter No.  5214


Very truly yours,

David J. Rogers
National Bank Examiner
   Analysis Division


   19


                                                                    EXHIBIT 2(e)
                                                                    ------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comptroller of the Currency
Administrator of National Banks

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Central District
One Financial Place
440 S. LaSalle, Suite 2700
Chicago, Illinois  60605

July 15, 1991

Mr. F. Kristen Koepcke
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Star Banc Corporation
425 Walnut Street
P.O. Box 1038
Cincinnati, Ohio  45201-1038

Dear Mr. Koepcke:

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has received your letter
concerning the title change and the appropriate amendment to the bank's articles
of association. The Office has recorded that as of June 14, 1991, the title of
Star Bank, National Association, Cincinnati, Charter No. 24, was changed to Star
Bank, National Association.

As a result of the Garn-St Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982, this
Office is no longer responsible for the approval of national bank name changes
nor does it maintain official records on the use of alternate titles. The use of
other titles or the retention of the rights to any previously used title is the
responsibility of the bank's board of directors. Legal counsel should be
consulted to determine whether or not the new title, or any previously used
title, could be challenged by competing institutions under the provisions of
federal or state law.

Very truly yours,

David J. Rogers
National Bank Examiner
   Analysis Division


   20


                                                                       EXHIBIT 3
                                                                       ---------

          THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE TRUSTEE TO EXERCISE CORPORATE TRUST
                                    POWERS:

                             FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD
                                Washington, D.C.

                                                                 October 9, 1919

        Pursuant to authority vested in the Federal Reserve Board by the Act of
Congress approved December 23, 1913, known as the Federal Reserve Act, as
amended by the Act of September 26, 1918, the

                      FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CINCINNATI

has been granted the right to act, when not in contravention of State or local
law, as TRUSTEE, EXECUTOR, ADMINISTRATOR, REGISTRAR OF STOCKS AND BONDS,
GUARDIAN OF ESTATES, ASSIGNEE, RECEIVER OR IN ANY OTHER FIDUCIARY CAPACITY IN
WHICH STATE BANKS, TRUST COMPANIES OR OTHER CORPORATIONS WHICH COME INTO
COMPETITION WITH NATIONAL BANKS ARE PERMITTED TO ACT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE
OF OHIO. The exercise of such rights shall be subject to regulations prescribed
by the Federal Reserve Board.

                                            Federal Reserve Board,

                                                    By W. P. G. Harding
                                                          Governor.

ATTEST:
W. T. Chapman
Secretary.

                                 STATE OF OHIO
                        DEPARTMENT OF BANKS AND BANKING
                        Certificate of Authority No. 17
                                 NATIONAL BANKS

        I, Philip C. Berg, Superintendent of Banks, do hereby certify that the
First National Bank of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio has complied with all
the requirements provided by law and is authorized to transact the business of a
trust company and to perform all the functions granted to such companies by the
laws of this state.

                           Given under my hand and official Seal at Columbus,
                           Ohio, this twenty-fifth day of November, A.D. 1919

                                           Philip C. Berg,
                                           Superintendent of Banks.

(SEAL)


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                                                                       EXHIBIT 4
                                                                       ---------

                                    BY-LAWS
                                    -------

                          STAR BANK, N.A., CINCINNATI
                          ---------------------------

                                   ARTICLE I
                                   ---------

                            MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
                            ------------------------

SECTION 1.              ANNUAL MEETING
- ----------              --------------

The annual meeting of shareholders shall be held in the main banking house of
the Association at 11:00 a.m. on the second Tuesday in February of each year.
Notice of such meeting shall be mailed to shareholders not less than ten (10)
nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the meeting date.

SECTION 2.              SPECIAL MEETINGS
- ----------              ----------------

Special meetings of shareholders may be called and held at such times and upon
such notice as is specified in the Articles of Association.

SECTION 3.              QUORUM
- ----------              ------

A majority of the outstanding capital stock represented in person or by proxy
shall constitute a quorum of any meeting of the shareholders, unless otherwise
provided by law, but less than a quorum may adjourn any meeting, from time to
time, and the meeting amy be held as adjourned without further notice.

SECTION 4.              INSPECTORS
- ----------              ----------

The Board of Directors may, and in the event of its failure so to do, the
Chairman of the Board shall appoint Inspectors of Election who shall determine
the presence of a quorum, the validity of proxies, and the results of all
elections and all other matters voted upon by shareholders at all annual and
special meetings of shareholders.

SECTION 5.              VOTING
- ----------              ------

In deciding on questions at meetings of shareholders, except in the election of
directors, each shareholder shall be entitled to one vote for each share of
stock held. A majority of votes cast shall decide each matter submitted to the
shareholders, except where by law a larger vote is required. In all elections of
directors, each shareholder shall have the right to vote the number of shares
owned by him for as many persons as there are directors to be elected, or to
cumulate such shares and give one candidate as many votes as the number of
directors multiplied by the number 


   22

of his shares equal, or to distribute them on the same principle among as many
candidates as he shall think fit.

                                   ARTICLE II
                                   ----------

SECTION 1.              TERM OF OFFICE
- ----------              --------------

The directors of this Association shall hold office for one year and until their
successors are duly elected and qualified.

SECTION 2.              REGULAR MEETINGS
- ----------              ----------------

The organization meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held as soon as
practical following the annual meeting of shareholders at the main banking
house. Other regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held without
notice at 11:00 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month except February, at the
main banking house, or, provided notice is given by telegram, letter, telephone
or in person to every Director, at such time and place as may be designated in
the notice of the meeting. When any regular meeting of the Board falls on a
holiday, the meeting shall be held on the next banking business day, unless the
Board shall designate some other day.

SECTION 3.              SPECIAL MEETINGS
- ----------              ----------------

Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman of the
Board of the Association, or at the request of three or more Directors. Notice
of the time, place and purposes of such meetings shall be given by telegram,
letter, telephone or in person to every Director.

SECTION 4.              QUORUM
- ----------              ------

A majority of the entire membership of the Board shall constitute a quorum at
any meeting of the Board.

SECTION 5.              NECESSARY VOTE
- ----------              --------------

A majority of those Directors present and voting at any meeting of the Board of
Directors shall decide each matter considered, except where otherwise required
by law or the Articles or By-Laws of this Association.

SECTION 6.              COMPENSATION
- ----------              ------------

Directors, excluding full-time employees of the Bank, shall receive such
reasonable compensation as may be fixed from time to time by the Board of
Directors.

SECTION 7.              ELECTION-AGE LIMITATION
- ----------              -----------------------

No person shall be elected or reelected a Director after reaching his seventieth
(70th) birthday, provided that any person who is a Director on December 10,
1985, may continue to be reelected a Director until he reaches his seventy-fifth
(75th) birthday.


   23

SECTION 8               RETIREMENT-AGE LIMITATION
- ---------               -------------------------

Every Director of the Bank shall retire no later than the first month next
following his seventieth (70th) birthday, except for any person who was a
Director on December 10, 1985, who shall retire not later that the first of the
next month following his seventy-fifth (75th) birthday.

SECTION 9               DIRECTORS EMERITUS
- ---------               ------------------

The Board shall have the right from time to time to choose as Directors Emeritus
persons who have had prior service as members of the Board and who may receive
such compensation as shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

                                  ARTICLE III
                                  -----------

                                    OFFICERS
                                    --------

SECTION 1               WHO SHALL CONSTITUTE
- ---------               --------------------

The Officers of the Association shall be a Chairman of the Board, a President, a
Secretary, and other officers such as Chairman of the Executive Committee, Vice
Chairman of the Board, Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, Vice
Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Trust Officers, Trust Investment Officers,
Trust Real Estate Officers, Assistant Trust Officers, a Controller, Assistant
Controller, an Auditor and Assistant Auditors, as the Board may appoint from
time to time. Any person may hold two offices. The Chairman of the Board, all
Vice Chairmen of the Board and the President shall at all times be members of
the Board of Directors.

SECTION 2               TERM OF OFFICE
- ---------               --------------

All officers shall be elected for and shall hold office for one year and until
their successors are elected and qualified, subject to the right in the Board of
Directors by a majority vote of the entire membership to discharge any officer
at any time.

SECTION 3               CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD  (Amended 12/13/88-see attachment)
- ---------               ---------------------

The Chairman of the Board shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the
Association and shall have all duties, responsibilities and powers of the Chief
Executive Officer. He shall, when present, preside at all meetings of
shareholders and directors and shall be ex officio a member of all committees of
the Board. He shall name all members of the committees of the Board, subject to
the confirmation thereof by the Board.

In the event that there is a vacancy in the position of President or in the
event of the absence or incapacity of the President, the Chairman may appoint,
or in the event of his failure to do so, the Board of Directors or the Executive
Committee thereof may designate any Vice Chairman of the 


   24

Board, any Executive Vice President or any Senior Vice President of the
Association temporarily to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the
Chairman as Chief Executive Officer when the Chairman is absent or
incapacitated.

The Board of Directors shall have the power to elect a Chairman of the Executive
Committee. Any such Chairman of the Executive Committee shall participate in the
formation of the policies of the Association and shall have such other duties as
may be assigned to him from time to time by the President or by the Board of
Directors.

SECTION 4               PRESIDENT  (amended 12/13/88-see attachment)
- ---------               ---------

The President shall participate in the formation and supervision of the policies
and operations of the Association and shall perform such other duties as may be
assigned to him from time to time by the Board of Directors or by the Chairman
of the Board. In the event that there is a vacancy in the position of the
Chairman of the Board, the President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the
Association and shall have all the powers and perform all the duties of the
Chairman of the Board, including the same power to name temporarily a Chief
Executive Officer to serve in the absence of the President.

SECTION 5               CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- ---------               -----------------------------------

The Board of Directors shall have the power to elect a Chairman of the Executive
Committee. Any such Chairman of the Executive Committee shall participate in the
formation of the policies of the Association and shall have such other duties as
may be assigned to him from time to time by the President or by the Board of
Directors.

SECTION 6               VICE CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD
- ---------               --------------------------

The Board of Directors shall have the power to elect one or more Vice Chairmen
of the Board of Directors. Any such Vice Chairmen of the Board shall participate
in the formation of the policies of the Association and shall have such other
duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Chairman of the Board
or by the Board of Directors.

SECTION 7               OTHER OFFICERS
- ---------               --------------

The Secretary and all other officers appointed by the Board of Directors shall
have such duties as defined by law and as may from time to time be assigned to
them by the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Directors.

SECTION 8               RETIREMENT
- ---------               ----------

Every officer of the Association shall retire not later than the first of the
month next following his sixty-fifth (65th) birthday. The Board of Directors
may, in its discretion, set the retirement date and terms of retirement of an
officer at a date later than provided above.


   25

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                   ----------

                                   COMMITTEES
                                   ----------

SECTION 1               EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- ---------               -------------------

There shall be a standing committee of Directors in this Association to be known
as the Executive Committee. This Committee shall meet at 11:00 a.m. on the first
and fourth Tuesday of each month. It shall have all of the powers of the Board
of Directors between meetings of the Board, except as the Board only by law is
authorized to perform or exercise. All actions of the Executive Committee shall
be reported to the Board of Directors. In the event that any member of the
Executive Committee is unable to attend a meeting of that committee, the
Chairman of the Board or the President may, at his discretion, appoint another
Director to attend said meeting of the Executive Committee and for that meeting
to serve as a member of the Executive Committee with full power to act in place
of the absent regular member of the committee.

SECTION 2       COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
- ---------       ----------------------

There shall be a standing committee of directors of this Association to be known
as the Compensation Committee who shall review the compensation of all Executive
Officers and those officers who participate in the Profit Sharing Pool as well
as fees for directors of the Association. They will recommend specific
compensation arrangements to the Board of Directors for their confirmation.

SECTION 3               COMMITTEE ON AUDIT
- ---------               ------------------

There shall be a standing committee of Directors of this Association to be known
as the Committee on Audit, none of whose members shall be active officers of the
Association. This Committee shall make or cause to be made a suitable
examination of the affairs of the Association and the Trust Department at least
once during each period of twelve months. The results of such examination shall
be reported in writing to the Board at the next regular meeting thereafter
stating whether the Association and/or Trust Department is in a sound solvent
condition, whether adequate internal audit controls and procedures are being
maintained and make such recommendations as it deems advisable.

SECTION 4               TRUST COMMITTEE
- ---------               ---------------

There shall be a standing committee of Directors of this Association to be known
as the Trust Committee. The Trust Committee shall determine policies of the
Department and review actions of the Trust Investment Committee. All actions of
the Trust Committee shall be reported to the Board of Directors.

SECTION 5               TRUST INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
- ---------               --------------------------

There shall be a standing committee of this Association to be known as the Trust
Investment Committee composed of officers of the Association. The Trust
Investment Committee OR SUCH 


   26

OFFICERS AS MAY BE DULY DESIGNATED BY THE TRUST INVESTMENT COMMITTEE, shall pass
upon the acceptance of all trusts, the closing out or relinquishment of all
trusts and the making, retention, or disposition of all investments of trust
funds in conformity with policies established by the Trust Committee. Actions of
the Trust Investment Committee shall be reported to the Trust Committee.

SECTION 6               PENSION COMMITTEE
- ---------               -----------------

There shall be a standing committee of directors or officers of this Association
to be known as the Pension Committee, who shall have the powers and duties as
set forth in the Association's Employees' Pension Plan. A report of the
condition of the pension fund shall be submitted annually to the Board of
Directors.

SECTION 7               OTHER COMMITTEES
- ---------               ----------------

The Chairman may appoint, from time to time, other committees for such purposes
and with such powers as he or the Board may direct.

                                   ARTICLE V
                                   ---------

                                      SEAL
                                      ----

SECTION 1               IMPRESSION
- ---------               ----------

The following is an impression of the seal of this Association.





August 25, 1988


   27




RESOLVED, That Section 3 of Article III of the By-Laws of the Bank shall be
amended to read:

SECTION 3               CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
- ---------               ---------------------

The Chairman of the Board shall have general executive powers and duties and
shall perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the
Board of Directors. In addition, unless the Board of Directors shall have
designated the President to be the Chief Executive Officer, the Chairman of the
Board shall be the Chief Executive Officer and shall have all the powers and
duties of the Chief Executive Officer. He shall, when present, preside at all
meetings of shareholders and directors and shall be ex officio a member of all
committees of the Board. He shall name all members of the committees of the
Board, subject to the confirmation thereof by the Board.

If he is Chief Executive Officer, in the event that there is a vacancy in the
position of President or in the event of the absence or incapacity of the
President, the Chairman may appoint, or in the event of his failure to do so,
the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee thereof may designate, any
Vice Chairman of the Board, any Executive Vice President or any Senior Vice
President of the Association temporarily to exercise the powers and perform the
duties of the Chairman as Chief Executive Officer when the Chairman is absent or
incapacitated.

If the President has been designated Chief Executive Officer by the Board of
Directors, in the event that there is a vacancy in the position of the President
or in the event of the absence or incapacity of the President, the Chairman
shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Association and shall have all the
powers and perform all the duties of the President, including the powers to name
temporarily a Chief Executive Officer to serve in the absence of the Chairman.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That Section 4 of Article III of the By-Laws of the bank shall
be amended to read:

SECTION 4               PRESIDENT
- ---------               ---------

The President shall have general executive powers and duties and shall perform
such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Board of
Directors. In addition, if designated by the Board of Directors, the President
shall be the Chief Executive Officer and shall have all the powers and duties of
the Chief Executive Officer, including the same power to name temporarily a
Chief Executive Officer to serve in the absence of the President if there is a
vacancy in the position of the Chairman or in the event of the absence or
incapacity of the Chairman.

If the Chairman has been designated Chief Executive Officer by the Board of
Directors, in the event that there is a vacancy in the position of the Chairman
of the Board or in the event of the absence or incapacity of the Chairman of the
Board, the President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Association and
shall have all the powers and perform all the duties of the Chairman of the
Board, including the same power to name temporarily a Chief Executive Officer to
serve in the absence of the President.


   28




                                                                       EXHIBIT 5
                                                                       ---------

                           THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE
                         REQUIRED BY 321(b) OF THE ACT

        Star Bank, National Association, the Trustee executing the statement of
eligibility and qualification to which this Exhibit is attached does hereby
consent that reports of examinations of the undersigned by Federal, State,
Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the
Securities and Exchange Commission upon request therefor in accordance with the
provisions of 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

                                        STAR BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION


____________________________            BY:________________________________
          Date                              Stephen J. Blackstone
                                            Trust Officer