THE ESTABLISHMENT AND INFLUENCE OF THE FIRST INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE WORLD

The Physikallisch-Technische Reichanstalt(PTR) was the first national institute of physics and technology in the world.At the time,it combined the best of pure physics research and industrial technology in Germany. Its activities demonstrated that science and technology could contribute to modern society and to a country′s economy. This paper discusses the background of PTR′s establishment, as well as its early research and influence.