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The 72 names on the Eiffel Tower
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On the Eiffel Tower, seventy-two names of French scientists, engineers and some other notable people are engraved in recognition of their contributions by Gustave Eiffel.[1] The engravings are found on the sides of the tower under the first balcony. This engraving was painted over at the beginning of the twentieth century and restored in 1986–1987 by Société Nouvelle d'exploitation de la Tour Eiffel, a company contracted to operate business related to the Tower. The Tower is owned by the city of Paris.
 
The list has been criticized for excluding Sophie Germain, noted French mathematician whose work on the theory of elasticity was crucial to the construction of the tower itself.[2] Germain's biographer, Mozans, suggested that she was excluded because she was a woman.[3]
References
- ^ The 72 scientists. Eiffel Tower official website. Accessed 2008-01-31.
- ^ William P. Berlinghoff, Fernando Quadros Gouvêa. Math Through the Ages: A Gentle History for Teachers and Others. MAA, 2004, p. 52. ISBN 0883857367.
- ^ Lynn M. Osen. Women in Mathematics. MIT Press, 1975, p. 92-93. ISBN 0262650096.
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