The Representation of Science and Scientists on Postage Stamps: A science communication study

by Christopher B. Yardley

   

 The Representation of Science and Scientists on Postage Stamps examines how the postal authorities of the world have developed unique techniques to portray science and scientists in order to convey a message behind the stamp issue. It is a multi-disciplinary examination that investigates visual representation, semiotics, science, science history and politics, amongst other issues.

 

  The author introduces and describes a technique for looking at how and why images may have been chosen. Is the image a mirror reflecting a known reality or is it a lens to challenge, to prompt further thought or action? He also hypothesises that the Internet created a real change to science communication, influencing the way images of science were used. The stamp message changed from that of pursuing a public understanding approach to an awareness of science with its increasing contextual content.

 

  For approaching two centuries, the images on postage stamps have been used to convey messages to the general public. Science has been used to enhance those messages for the past nine decades. In this book, the author explores the ways in which science and scientists have been portrayed on stamps and look at the ideas and, in some cases, the propaganda that underpins them.