Ray Shelton, age 16, of Paterson, N.J., for his question:

HOW OLD IS THE SORBONNE?

The Sorbonne is the name of a famous institution of higher learning in Paris, France. It is the outgrowth of a medieval college of theology. Robert of Sorbon founded the old Sorbonne in the 1200s. Originally it was a residence hall for poor theological students.

Gradually the Sorbonne became one of the strongest theological schools in Europe. In the 1600s, Cardinal Richelieu rebuilt it and provided a magnificent chapel for the students. In 1885, the faculty of theology was abolished.

Today the Sorbonne is part of the state owned University of Paris. One of the finest university buildings in the world houses the present day classrooms. The building dates from 1889 and is known as La Nouvelle Sorbonne, or The New Sorbonne.

Students from every part of the world study at the Sorbonne. As many as 35,000 foreign students nave enrolled there in one year.

Cardinal Richelieu was the actual ruler of France for more than 18 years. He was one of the country's ablest stateman. He will long be remembered for his contribution to higher education and his support and protection of literary men.