| − | The '''State Science Institute''', in [[Ayn Rand]]'s [[novel]] ''[[Atlas Shrugged]]'', was the government-run laboratory nominally directed by [[Robert Stadler]] but actually directed, in [[Niccolo Macchiavelli|Macchiavellian]] fashion, by [[Floyd Ferris]]. It figures most prominently in three connections: a mendacious report on the merits of [[Henry Rearden|Rearden Metal]], the construction of the infamous [[Project X]], and finally the construction of Project F, essentially a [[torture]] chamber where [[John Galt]] was briefly examined under duress until its electroshock generator failed. | + | The '''State Science Institute''', in [[Ayn Rand]]'s [[novel]] ''[[Atlas Shrugged]]'', was the government-run laboratory nominally directed by [[Robert Stadler]] but actually directed, in [[Niccolo Machiavelli|Machiavellian]] fashion, by [[Floyd Ferris]]. It figures most prominently in three connections: a mendacious report on the merits of [[Henry Rearden|Rearden Metal]], the construction of the infamous [[Project X]], and finally the construction of Project F, essentially a [[torture]] chamber where [[John Galt]] was briefly examined under duress until its electroshock generator failed. |