The Federal Polytechnic School, Zurich, was founded on October 16, 1855. It initial focus was on technical subjects. It grew rapidly with nw buildings added for the teachng of chemistry, physics, forestry, mechanical engineering and natural sciences. In 1908 the polytechnic acquired the right to award doctorates. In 1911, after a lengthy reform debate, it was renamed the Federal Institute of Technology (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule). It still exists and is known as ETH Zürich.