A Philatelic Ramble Through Chemistry - Tapa dura

This is not a history of chemistry which utilizes postage stamps instead of the usual illustrations, but a collection of short essays and comments on such chemistry as can be found on postage stamps and other philatelic items. In other words, the choice of topics is dictated by the philatelic material available, with the necessary consequence that important parts of chemical history will be missing for the simple reason that they have not found their way onto postage stamps. Thus, the reader may find detailed comments on lesser known chemists, such as Wilhelm August Lampadius who has been honoured with two stamps by the German Post Office, but hardly anything on such luminaries as Robert Bunsen, who have not been deemed worthy of a commemorative issue.

Written with wit, expertise, and great enthusiasm, this unique book presents a light-hearted, historically based survey of chemistry and some related topics in physics. It is illustrated with more than 1000 beautiful color reproductions of postage stamps and covers. Many stories and anecdotes have been included. Anyone who teaches, researches or is otherwise involved with chemistry will find this volume informative, enjoyable reading and a veritable source of engaging material.