FRANKLIN INSTITUTE, THE, of the State of Pennsyl vania, U.S.A., founded in 1824, is the oldest institution in the United States devoted to the study and promotion of the mechanic arts and applied sciences. The cornerstone of the quaint old building it occupies in Philadelphia on the east side of Seventh below Market street was laid in 1825, the structure being occupied the next year. Classes were opened, Dr. Keating, one of the lead ing scientists of the University of Pennsylvania, teaching chem istry, and William Strickland, then America's most noted archi tect, occupying the chair of architecture. Exhibitions of American manufactures were promptly undertaken and held regularly for many years, and the publication of a journal devoted to the pro gress of the useful arts and sciences was also begun. Up to 1832, when the city started a high school, the institute served as the forerunner of the central high school. Through its committees the institute conducts considerable scientific research. Its library of over 86,800 volumes and 27,00o pamphlets (1928) is the richest technical library of its kind in the country. Its record of American invention is the most complete outside the files of the Patent Office. Its medals and certificates of award, given to advance physical science, in its application, discovery or original research or the perfection of a useful invention or showing of skilled workmanship, are prizes of world recognition. Associated with the institute now is the Bartol Research Foundation, estab lished in 1921 as a result of a munificent bequest from Henry W. Bartol, a life member, for the purpose of studying the fundamental problems of physical science, particularly electrical, and for in vestigating all scientific problems that may happen to arise in the industries.