On May 20, 1875, delegates from a group of 17 countries gathered in Paris to sign what may be the most overlooked yet globally influential treaty in history: The Metre Convention
At a time when different countries (and even different cities) defined weights and lengths based on local artifacts, royal body parts or grains of wheat, this rare agreement among nations offered something simple yet undeniably impactful: consistency.
A radical initiative for its time, the Metre Convention ultimately birthed a system of measurement that would transcend language, politics and tradition, and lay the foundation for a new global era of scientific and technological advancement.
A world divided by measurement
By the mid-19th century, the push for standardization had become increasingly urgent. Scientific discovery was accelerating, global trade was booming and industrial projects were growing in scale and complexity. But the world’s measurements were, frankly, a mess.
France had introduced the metric system during its revolutionary years, but other nations were slow — or outright unwilling — to adopt it.
Rivalries not just among empires, but within the scientific community itself, grew. Astronomers couldn’t compare celestial observations across borders because their units didn’t match. Engineers designing railway systems across Europe had to navigate conflicting standards for track gauges, load weights and even timekeeping.
A conundrum, indeed.
So, what has happened since this time?
Over the past 150 years, this landmark agreement has endured seismic changes in manufacturing, industrialisation and globalisation to become the cornerstone of international trade, trust, and cooperation. Today, it touches almost everything in our modern lives – from clean water, reliable electricity, effective medicines, safe travel and beyond.
Some insights from those in the know
To secure more insights, we spoke to Dr Victoria Coleman from the National Measurement Institute – Australia’s peak measurement body. Victoria is an elected member of the 18-member International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM) created when the Metre Convention was established in 1875. She is also the President of the Consultative Committee for Length, which is the key global body in the field of length metrology.
Let’s hear what she has to say:
In honouring a century and a half of accuracy and precision, Victoria will be speaking at Accreditation Matters 2025 in Sydney on July 30 and 31. In her presentation, she will explore how the treaty continues to underpin advancements in fields including advanced manufacturing, climate monitoring, food safety and energy security, whilst also supporting new and emerging technologies, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and driving future innovation.
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