Embedding Partial Steiner Triple Systems

We prove that a partial Steiner triple system 8 of order n can be embedded in a Steiner triple system T of any given admissible order greater than 4w. Furthermore, if G(S), the missing-edge graph of S, has the property that A(G)<ri(n + l)l and \E(G)\ then # can be embedded in a Steiner triple system of order 2n +1, provided that 2w +1 is admissible. We also prove that if there is a partial Steiner triple system of order n with v triples then there is an equitable partial Steiner triple system of order n with v triples. This result, interesting in itself, is used in the proof of the above theorems.