  An analysis of symmetric function theory is given from the perspective of the
underlying Hopf and bi-algebraic structures. These are presented explicitly in
terms of standard symmetric function operations. Particular attention is
focussed on Laplace pairing, Sweedler cohomology for 1- and 2-cochains, and
twisted products (Rota cliffordizations) induced by branching operators in the
symmetric function context. The latter are shown to include the algebras of
symmetric functions of orthogonal and symplectic type. A commentary on related
issues in the combinatorial approach to quantum field theory is given.
