One of the foundations of our modern, technology-based society comes from established and commonly agreed-upon measurements. On May 20 each year, we acknowledge this fact by celebrating World Metrology Day, which is the perfect opportunity to consider the central importance of the science of measurement.

Not everyone knows about World Metrology Day, and fewer still recall the reason why it occurs specifically on May 20. The logic, however, is inescapable—143 years ago, on May 20, 1875, delegates from 30 nations met in Paris to set standard measurements for the meter and the kilogram, and to establish protocols to maintain these and other standards for all scientists, academic institutions, and businesses across the world. The Metre Convention gave birth to the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM), the governing body of metrology to this day.

 …