ESSEX INSTITUTE, THE, an American institution at Salem, Mass., founded for the promotion of the study of history, science and art in Essex county, was formed in 1848 by the union of the Essex Historical Society and the Essex County National History Society. It is supported by an annual assessment upon its members and by the income from its funds. Its museum contains one of the largest American collections of historical objects illus trating the life of the English settler, including type-rooms, cos tumes, furniture, china, glass, war relics, tools, medals and coins. Its numerous portraits include examples by Stuart, Blackburn, Smibert, Trumbull, Greenwood, Frothingham, Vinton, Osgood and others. The library contains over 500,00o volumes, among which are several specialized collections, such as Essex county imprints, China and the Chinese (over 4,00o vol.), commercial, marine, directories and newspapers. In the rear garden is a fine specimen of a 1684 dwelling, furnished in the period.