Issued by India

Issued on Mar 31, 2005

Issued for : Department of Posts is happy to issue a definitive stamp on International Year of Physics under the 9^th Definitive Series.

Credit :
Stamp & FDC : Kamleshwar Singh
Cancellation : Alka sharma

Type : Stamp, Postal Used

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

About : 

• The year 1905 marked a turning point in Physics with the publication of five papers on three major subjects by Albert Einstein, Special Theory of Relativity, Photoelectric Effect and Brownian Motion. These papers, published a century ago, changed our fundamental understanding of nature so much that 1905 is often referred to as the ‘Miracle Year’. In celebration of the centenary of these papers the year 2005 has been declared as the World or International Year of Physics.
• Special Theory of Relativity: Newton’s laws state that the velocity of light must change when someone moves while according to the theory of the origin of light (called electromagnetic theory) it should remain constant. Einstein assumed that the velocity of light was fundamental and could not be changed. He worked out how Newton’s laws must be changed to fit this basic fact. He showed that when objects move at a speed close to the speed of light (c), they behave very differently. Since the velocity of light is very large (about 3 lakh km per second), in our daily experiences, the difference is not noticeable. Einstein showed that if you move at velocities close to velocity of light, time appears to move slowly and distances appear to shrink. As one approaches the velocity of light, the extra energy given to increase its momentum (mass x velocity) does not increase its velocity, but increases its mass (inertia). This leads to the famous equation describing the relation between energy and mass, E = mc², where E is energy, m is the mass and c is the speed of light in free space (vacuum). This theory is critical to the working of a lot of physics at very high energy. This explains, for example why a moving clock appears to go slower than a stationary clock. Eleven years later, Einstein generalised this work into an even more profound theory called General Theory of Relativity. These physical laws are critical to the working of satellites used in navigation. It also explains why Newton’s theory cannot fully explain the path of planets around the Sun or why the light coming from stars is bent from its path when it comes close to the Sun.
• Photoelectric Effect: In this Nobel Prize winning work, Einstein studied how light can eject electrons from material. He showed that this can be understood only if we assume that light comes in small packets called photons. He showed that for photons to eject electrons from a material, they must have energy proportional to their frequency. Hence, even a large number of low energy photons will not eject electrons but a single high energy photon can eject an electron. This theory correctly explained the photoelectric effect. It also laid the basis for the Quantum Theory which revolutionised our understanding of nature. This physics is now routinely used in laser and several other applications like solar cells.
• Brownian Motion: This was the third subject that Einstein tackled in 1905. When he did this work, there was a lot of confusion about the nature of matter in the smallest scale. He investigated the observations of restless movement of pollen particles in water which had been first noted by a botanist Robert Brown. Einstein showed that this movement can be understood only as a continuous collision between water molecules and the pollens. It conclusively established that material is made of molecules and atoms. The theory of Brownian Motion is now routinely used to understand natural processes including the manner in which liquid and solid particles mix with each other. Understanding Brownian Motion is vital to everything from cell function to traffic flow, from models of ecologies to stock market.
• These three great pieces of work radically changed our views about the working of Nature. Together they established the existence of atoms, of photons as packets of energy and proved that Newton’s mechanics is only an approximation on the working of Nature. If we increase the energy of particles to the extent that they begin to move at velocities closer to the velocity of light, the Newton’s laws change so much that matter and energy become synonymous. The total effect of these pieces of work subsequently led to the quantum theory that explained how matter is stable. They also led to other great works of S Chandrasekhar who established the existence of Neutron Stars and Black holes. It also led S.N. Bose and Einstein to develop the Bose Einstein Statistics that fundamentally altered our view on how atoms interact with each other.
• In one single year i.e. 1905, Einstein changed our understanding of the fundamental laws of nature completely and even a hundred years later, we are still striving to grasp all the deep meanings of his work.
• Text : Based on the material provided by the proponent.

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Issued by Pakistan

Issued on Jul 5, 1992

Issued for : To meet the requirements of pasting high value postage stamps on export parcels, Pakistan Post Office has issued definitive stamps of the value of Rs. 10.00, Rs. 15.00 and Rs. 25.00. These exquisitely designed stamps high lights some of the prestigious viz surgical goods, leather goods and sports items. These stamps will help in reducing the printing cost involved in the issue of stamps of lower denomination, which are presently affixed on out going parcels in combination, to make up for the required value of postage. Pakistan Post Office in this way may also aiding the promotion of our products through postage stamps in collaboration with other agencies concerned.

Designer : Syed Ali Afsar

Type : Stamps, Postal Used

Denominations : Rs. 10, Rs. 15, Rs. 25

Colour : Multi colour

Size of stamp : 38.34 x 28.50 mm

Size of print : 34.34 x 24.50 mm

Perforation : 13 C

Quantity : 10 million each denominations

Number of stamps in a sheet : 42 stamps (14 stamps of each denominations in se-tenant format)

Paper : 102 GSM Dual purpose PVA gum paper

Process of printing : Litho Offset

Printers : Pakistan Security Printing Corporation Limited

Issued by The Director General, Pakistan Post Office Islamabad-44000.

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Issued by United States of America

Issued on Apr 17, 1985

Design : First Day of Issue for the 1985 “Love” stamp, the fourth issue in this special series, likewise coincides with the Valentine season. The stamp was designed by Corita Kent of Boston, Massachusetts.

Type : Stamp, Postal Used

Denomination : 22 cents

About : 

• Beginning in 1947, the town of Loveland, Colorado put into place a plan designed to make Valentine’s Day even more special. Cards sent to local post office were stamped with a festive crimson seal. They were then remailed with the postmark of “Loveland” prominently affixed to them.
• Word of this delightful practice spread quickly and, in succeeding years, the Loveland post office was swamped with Valentines. Among those who took note of the phenomenon was the U.S. Postal Service. In 1973, it responded with the first “Love” stamp, a commemorative issue designed for use on Valentine mail. The colorful stamp, featuring Robert Indiana’s famous “love” sculpture, was an enormous success.
• When the stamp was withdrawn from sale, the Postal Service received thousands of letters expressing disappointment. The message was clear: the desire to communicate love through the mail is not confined to any given time. There are as many different occasions to use “Love” stamps as there are varieties of that precious emotion.
• Thus, the second “Love” stamp, which appeared in time for Valentine’s Day 1982, was a definitive issue that would be stocked in post offices indefinitely. Its design, the word “love” spelled out in colorful flowers, was appropriate for many occasions. Millions of the stamps were sold for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries and the countless other times when Americans send loving sentiments to family and friends.
• The “Love” stamp series continued in 1984, when the design of a new definitive issue was unveiled during National Card and Letter Writing Week. Once again, it featured the word “love”, with a heart replacing the letter “o”. Also, as had become tradition, it was issued in time for use on Valentine mail.

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Issued by Australia

Issued on Nov 17, 1982

Designer : Betty Conabere, Mansfield [Mrs. Elizabeth Conabere was a botanical illustrator who lived and worked in an elderly house surrounded by a garden, in the Victorian country town of Mansfield. In 1969, on completing drawings of alpine plants for the National Herbarium in Melbourne, she commenced work on the two-volume limited edition book ‘Wildflowers of south eastern Australia‘ published in 1974. The original paintings for this work were purchased by the Victorian Ministry for the Arts, and presented to the La Trobe Library. Mrs. Conabere had also worked on Illustrations for the Victorian Lands Department depleting plants which have been declared noxious weeds. Her 1982 stamp commissions for Australia Post included both ‘Roses in Australia‘ and ‘Eucalypts’.]

Typographer : Australia Post Graphic Design Section

Type : Se-tenant Stamps, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denominations : 2 x 1 c, 2 x 2 c, 2 x 27 c (60 cents) and 2 x 1 c, 2 x 2 c, 1 x 3 c, 1 x 10 c, 3 x 27 c ($1)

Stamp size : 22.1 mm x 25.3 mm

Perforation : 13½ x 14½

Paper : 96 GSM Harrisons unwatermarked gravure stamp paper incorporating luminescence

Sheet content : $1.00 folder 9 stamps; 60c folder 6 stamps

Printing process : multicolour photogravure

Printer : Joh Enscheďe en Zonen, Haarlem, Holland

About : 

• Stamp vending machines were in use in all Australian States by late 1938, following assorted experiments with small numbers of machines dating back to 1903. Stamps sold in the vending machines were manufactured in coils. Stamp booklets have been issued periodically since the first decade of the twentieth century. In 1982, new vending machines were installed nationally, and definitive stamps depicting the flowers of five eucalypts were issued in stamp folders for sale only in the new machines.
  
• The 60c folder contains illustrations of Eucalyptus forrestiana, Eucalyptus caesia and Eucalyptus calophylla ‘Rosea’; and the $1 folder adds Eucalyptus ficifolia and Eucalyptus globulus (which is also represented on the cover of the folders). The first day cover, above, features Eucalyptus torquata. The Eucalypt issue continues the policy of depicting flora and fauna on definitive Australian stamps. The species illustrated were selected with the assistance of the Botany Department at Monash University. The only eucalypt flower previously represented on an Australian stamp is Eucalyptus globulus, included in the Native Flowers definitive series introduced in 1968.
  
• Eucalypts are native to the continent of Australia only, except for a few species in Timor and New Guinea. The most dominant Australian genus of plants, some 600 species of eucalypts grow over a wide range of climatic conditions ranging from mild coastal zones through to the extremes of hot, arid areas inland and the cold alpine treeline.
  
• The word ‘eucalypt’ is derived from the Greek ‘eu’ meaning well, and ‘kalyptos’ meaning covered; referring to the tight covering of the flower bud by a cap, or operculum, which is cast off when the stamens open to form the flower. When the stamens fall off, the seed receptacle continues to grow, changing in the process to a brownish grey, woody ‘gum nut’. The popular term ‘gum tree‘ is inaccurate, and is properly applied to only one group of smooth-barked eucalypts, of which Eucalyptus globulus is an example. The nomenclature is further confused by the use of popular, local names applied with little regard for scientific designation. Some species have been given more than one common name; and some common names, such as ‘blue gum’, have been given to several different species.
• The common name of Eucalyptus caesia is Gungurru. Caesia is Latin for silvery grey. Eucalyptus caesia is generally regarded as one of the most beautiful flowering eucalypts, with delicate rose pink and sometimes silver pink clusters of flowers tipped with gold anthers. The flowers bloom over a long period, and are followed by equally lovely; silvery dangling seed capsules. A small, ornamental species usually attaining a height of 4-6 metres, the straggly tree has smooth, deciduous bark and white timber. Eucalyptus caesia is considered an endangered species in its native habitat in Western Australia.

• Eucalyptus calophylla ‘Rosea’, the pink flowered Marri, is a cultivated variety of uncertain genealogy. Eucalyptus calophylla is a white flowered species native to Western Australia, occasionally occurring there in a pink form which is known horticulturally as Eucalyptus calophylla var ‘Rosea’. The many specimens in the eastern States of Australia may have sprung from a single Eucalyptus calophylla tree growing at the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, which in 1893 produced pink flowers (unlike the white flowers of the Eucalyptus calophylla species) [Ernest E. Lord. Shrubs and trees for Australian gardens, 5^th edn revised by J. H. Willis, Melbourne, Lothian, 1982. p. 25]. The Melbourne Botanic Gardens hybrid is properly designated Eucalyptus calophylla x Eucalyptus ficifolia, but has also been described in the literature as Eucalyptus ficifolia var guilfoylei. The pink flowered Marri in horticulture derives from both the Western Australian Eucalyptus calophylla var ‘Rosea’ and the eastern hybrid form. The tree grows to a height of 4-7 metres, with close, subscaly bark.

• Closely related to the Eucalyptus calophylla, Eucalyptus ficifolia is the best known flowering eucalypt, and is widely cultivated both in Australia and in other countries. Known as the red or scarlet flowering gum, the brilliant colours of the immense clusters of flowers range from crimson, scarlet, pink and orange to white. The leaf stalks are crimson, contrasting with the deep green leaves. Of medium height, generally around 9 metres, the tree forms wide-spreading, shady branches with rough bark surrounding a thick trunk. The seeds are winged, enabling dispersal by strong winds. Eucalyptus ficifolia is a coastal species, native to the south west of Western Australia, and, like Eucalyptus caesia, is an endangered species in the wild.

• The common name of the Eucalyptus forrestiana is Forrest’s Marlock, named for Sir John Forrest, the former Premier of Western Australia. Eucalyptus forrestiana is also known as the fuchsia mallee, because of the fuchsia-like four-winged red pods which are such a distinctive feature of this attractive small tree. The long, peaked cap of the drooping red buds lift to reveal the short, bushy yellow flowers. The tree grows to a height of some 3 metres, and is native to Western Australia.
• Known also as the southern blue gum or blue gum, Eucalyptus globulus, the Tasmanian blue gum, is one of the fastest growing trees in the world, and has been planted extensively overseas. Globulus is Latin for button-like, referring to the top of the whitish-green seed vessel. The white flowers bloom for a comparatively long period. The roundish, bluish-white leaves of the young tree contrast with the dark green, curved adult leaves, and the smooth, bluish-white bark hangs in ribbons when shed. The tree commonly attains a height of 45 metres, flourishing especially in a cool climate in coastal or hilly areas.

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Issued by Australia

Issued on Apr 19, 1982 (3c, 27c, 65c, 75c) and Jun 16, 1982 (15c, 40c, 90c)

Issued for : Reptiles and amphibians are the subject of the second part of the Australian animals definitive stamp series. The six mammals featured on the first part of the series introduced in 1981 are all considered to be endangered species. Reptiles and amphibians form another important group of Australian fauna. The seven species depicted on the stamps were selected on the advice of the Department of Herpetology at the Australian Museum, Sydney. The Blue Mountains Tree Frog and the Corroboree Frog are amphibians; and the Yellow-faced Whip Snake, the Eastern Water Dragon, the Eastern Snake-necked Tortoise, the Smooth Knob-tailed Gecko and the Freshwater Crocodile are reptiles. Collectively these seven species are spread over most of mainland Australia. None of them is endangered, but all, either because of their habits or their distribution, are comparatively rarely seen.

Designed by : Beverley Bruen, Uralla, NSW [Miss Beverley Bruen graduated with Diploma of Painting from the National Arts School, Sydney in 1966 and later, in 1977, returned to studies to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Fine Arts at Sydney University. Originally interested in the illustration of children’s literature, she has, through a “twist of circumstances”, found herself becoming known as a herpetological artist. As well as the reptile and amphibian designs for Australia Post, she has been commissioned by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to design an identification poster of Australia‘s venomous snakes. When not involved with work as a free-lance illustrator, Beverley Bruen has exhibited paintings and taught life-drawing to art and architecture students at Sydney University Art Workshop, Hong Kong University and the National Art School, Sydney.]

Typographer : Ron Fletcher, Melbourne

Type : Stamps, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 3, 15, 27, 40, 65, 75 & 90 Cents

Stamp sizes : 30 mm x 25 mm

Perforations : 12¾ x 12¾

Paper : APWH stamp paper

Printing process : photolithography on a four–colour Roland Rekord press

Printer : Leigh–Mardon Pty Limited, Melbourne

About : 

• Herpetofauna, the collective name for reptiles and amphibians, are vertebrate, cold-blooded animals. During the winter months in the colder areas of Australia, most reptiles and amphibians become dormant remaining torpid until the temperature slowly begins to rise again during the spring. An important difference exists in the reproductive cycle of amphibians and reptiles. Amphibians typically lay unshelled, jelly-like eggs in water, from which hatch aquatic tadpoles that undergo a metamorphosis to become air-breathing adults. Reptiles typically lay shelled eggs on land, and the newly-hatched young are essentially replicas of their parents, although some reptiles produce live young.
• Tree frogs are so named because of the development of large finger and toe pads, enabling them to climb trees. Litoria citropa, the Blue Mountains Tree Frog, grows to an average length of 65mm. Its broad, almost triangular head has prominent bulges around each eye. Usually found in rocky areas near water, the Blue Mountains Tree Frog has been observed in high trees during the cooler months. The distribution of this species is confined to the coast and ranges of New South Wales and eastern Victoria, especially the Blue Mountains area of New South Wales.
• Pseudophryne corroboree, the Corrobee Frog, is the most distinctive and easily recognised Australian frog. Its bright yellow or greenish-yellow colouring and shiny, irregular black stripes are reminiscent of the decorative patterns Aborigines apply to their bodies for ceremonial dances. The Corroboree Frog is found throughout the Australian alpine regions around Mt. Kosciusko and the high country near the Australian Capital Territory. Often found under logs or in vegetation close to trees and marshes, the frog moves into alpine sphagnum bogs for the breeding season.
• Until recently the Eastern and Western Yellow-faced Whip Snakes were regarded as geographic variants of the same species, Demansia psammophis. The Western Yellow-faced Whip Snake, the reptile depicted on the stamp, is now regarded as a separate species named Demansia reticulata, known in Western Australia as the Green Whip Snake. Both the common and Latin names of Demansia reticulata derive from the snake’s distinctive coloration. The back and sides of the body are pale green. Each scale is edged with black, resulting in the netted or reticulated pattern which gives the species its scientific name. Swift moving and active by day, the Yellow-faced or Green Whip Snake inhabits much of Western Australia and adjacent parts of the Northern Territory and South Australia. Its bite is venomous and painful, but not lethal.
• Physignathus lesueurii, the Eastern Water Dragon, is a semi-aquatic tree lizard which lives near creeks and rivers. Often observed on the bough of a tree overhanging water, the lizard, if disturbed, will drop into the water and remain submerged for up to half an hour. One of the larger species of dragon, the Eastern Water Dragon attains an average length of one metre. The species is found in eastern coastal areas from Cape York to eastern Victoria.
• The names ‘turtle’ and ‘tortoise’ are applied in different ways in various parts of the world. In Australia, ‘tortoise’ refers to freshwater creatures, and ‘turtles’ are marine animals. The shell of Chelodina longicollis, the Eastern Snake-necked Tortoise, is approximately 25cm long and covered by horny plates. The colour of the shell varies from yellow to brown or black. Each plate is edged in black, giving lighter-coloured specimens of this species a distinctly patterned shell. The Eastern Snake-necked Tortoise is semi-aquatic, distinguished by jointed fore and hind limbs and webbed feet. Distributed throughout the interior of south-eastern Australia, the tortoise inhabits swamps, lakes, billabongs, and slow-moving rivers.
• Australian geckos tend to be non-venomous and nocturnal. Nephrurus levis, the Smooth Knob-tailed Gecko, is one of the larger species, measuring approximately 12cm. Its head and eye are proportionately large, and its ridged tail is carrot-shaped with a small knob on the end. Predominantly purplish-brown with yellowish-white dots, the gecko’s body is soft thin-skinned, and delicate in appearance. The Smooth Knob-tailed Gecko is a burrow-dweller by day, inhabiting all arid areas of mainland Australia except Victoria.
• Two species of crocodile are found in Australia: Crocodylus johnstoni, the Freshwater Crocodile, and Crocodylus porosus, the Estuarine or Salt-water Crocodile. The average length of the Freshwater Crocodile is 2 metres, considerably smaller than the Estuarine species. Its body is heavy and muscular and its limbs are short and thickset. The numerous sharp teeth are used to hold prey underwater until drowned; victims (fish, frogs, crustaceans, birds, mammals and reptiles) are then devoured whole or in large sections. Freshwater Crocodiles are found only in northern Australia, in coastal and hinterland freshwater streams, lagoons and billabongs.

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