Page:A History of the University of Chicago by Thomas Wakefield Goodspeed.djvu/271

THE EARLIER BUILDINGS 237 On November 7, 1892, Mr. Ryerson sent to the trustees the follow- ing letter: GENTLEMEN: In making my subscription of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars to the million-dollar fund recently raised for the buildings and equipment of the University, I reserved the right to designate, among the purposes for which the fund was raised, the purpose to which my subscription should be applied. I now express to you my desire that my subscription be applied to the erection of a building to be used as a physical laboratory, and to be known as the "Ryerson Physical Laboratory," in memory of my father, the late Martin Ryerson, said building to be situated on the north side of, and facing south on the central quadrangle, east of Kent Chemical Hall. Trusting that this designation will meet with your approval. Very respectfully yours, MARTIN A. RYERSON The father of the donor of the laboratory, Martin Ryerson, was one of the leading business men of Chicago, engaged in the great lumber industry. His business was established in Chicago in 1851 and grew to large proportions. He died in 1887, only three years prior to the founding of the University. When the laboratory was erected Mr. Ryerson placed hi the main hall of the first floor a bronze tablet bearing this inscription: PHYSICAL LABORATORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO ERECTED IN MEMORY OF MARTIN RYERSON BY HIS SON A.D. 1893 The cost of the laboratory was two hundred thousand, three hundred and seventy-one dollars. To this contribution Mr. Ryerson added the equipment and furniture of the building. For many years he continued to give a great many thousands of dollars for additional equipment, apparatus, and supplies, and to furnish Head Professor A. A. Michelson and his staff with material for their research work. Finished and occupied at the beginning of 1894, the laboratory was dedicated July 2, 1894. The formal