![Robert Thurston and early Cornell buildings including Sibley Hall](https://strategicplan.engineering.cornell.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/1885-1-e1641417024312.png)
Robert Thurston, the first director of the Sibley College of Engineering in 1885, held two patents: one an autographic recording testing machine for material in torsion and the other a machine for testing lubricants. In 1875, he also developed the three-coordinate solid diagram for testing iron, steel and other metals. As College Director, he reorganized mechanical engineering and increased the program from 63 to 885 degree candidates