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Good morning

Today is the 125th anniversary of the opening of the Eiffel Tower, which itself was intended to mark the centenary of the French Revolution. Its builder, Gustave Eiffel, was an engineer, and scientific entrepreneur. He worked on a number of similar projects, including the metal structure of the Statue of Liberty.

The Tower was intended to last only 20 years, but it has survived, partly by being at the centre of some wonderful ground breaking scientific investigations – they go from early radio technology to regular broadcasts, and the interception of enemy messages; the base of the tower was host to an experimental wind tunnel, and the top to a series of astronomical investigations. The whole height was used to support a manometer, which measured the pressure of gases and liquids.

People have walked up the stairs on stilts, and cycled down them, flown round the Tower in a hot air balloon (in 1901), over it in a plane constructed of cloth and wood (in 1909). They have even flown through it. In 1912, a tailor attempted to fly from the first stage in a parachute garment, but, sadly perished.

The late nineteenth and early twentieth century saw an explosion of scientific experimentation and technological development. The structure itself, with its innovative design, bears witness to the verve and confidence of the age.

God, in whose image we are created, we give thanks for human creativity and discovery. We pray for all engaged in science and technology in our own time. As a human community, may we act responsibly and with care, in our use of the knowledge and power we gain.

Amen