732 THE EIFFEL TOWER. 



scaffoldiug necessary to carry on tbe construction to a height of 169 

 feet, at which j^oint are established the horizontal beams uniting the 

 four piers and forming the skeleton of the first story. The solid con- 

 struction of the firsfe platform was a great step toward the success of 

 the work. 



The raising of the pillars between the first and second platforms was 

 rapidly accomplished by the same method as that employed between 

 the ground and the first story, i. e., the pieces of iron were raised by 

 four cranes attached to the beams of the lift placed in each pier. 



The work went forward so rapidly that in July, 1888, the four pillars 

 were united by the beams of the second story, at a height of 387 feet, 

 and by the 14th of the month the second platform was fixed, on which 

 fireworks were displayed at the Fete Rationale. 



The erection of that part of the tower comprised between the second 

 platform and the summit was carried out by means of the same cranes 

 as had served for the lower part ; but these no longer worked on an 

 inclined plane, but were raised along an upright, formed by the central 

 gnide of the higher lifts. 



The total weight of the ironwork in the tower is rather more than 

 7,000 tons, without counting that in the caissons, Avhich form a portion 

 of the foundations, or that in the machinery of the lifts. 



The different parts of the tower are reached by staircases and lifts 

 There are easy stairs in the east and west piers, which give access to 

 the first story, and it is calculated that by using one for ascent and one 

 for descent they will allow more than two thousand persons to go np 

 and come down in the hour. From the first platform to the second 

 there are four winding staircases, one in each pier, and from the second 

 platform to the snmmit there is a single winding staircase, which how- 

 ever (unlike the others) is not intended for the use of visitors, but for 

 ofdcials only. 



On the first platform is a covered gallery, with arcades, whence visi- 

 tors can enjoy a view of Paris and its environs, as well as of the Exhi- 

 bition, with four refreshment rooms in the center, — Anglo-American, 

 Flemish, Russian, and French. On the second story is a second cov- 

 ered gallery ; and in the center is the station where passengers change 

 from the lifts which move on an inclined plane of the lower half of the 

 tower, to the vertical lifts of the upper portion. 



On the third story is a great saloon more than 50 feet square, shut 

 in by glass on all sides, and whence, sheltered from wind and weather, 

 the spectator can contemplate the magnificent panorama, 45 leagues in 

 extent, which is displayed beneath him. Above this room are labora- 

 tories and observatories for scientific purposes, and in the center the 

 winding stair leading to the light-house whence the electric light shines 

 over the whole of Paris. 



The lifts are on three different systems, and all are provided with 

 breaks, and otherwise insured against the possibility of serious accident. 



