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On February 28, 1984, the Vatican issued a series of stamps to commemorate the centenary of the death of the noted biologist Gregor J. Mendel. The series consists of two values: 450 and 1,500 lire. Roth stamps share a common horizontal design. At the right is a portrait of Gregor J. Mendel. To the left is an illustration of his experiments on the descent of hybrids in garden peas. The design was engraved by Mario Codoni. The inscription GREGORIO J. MENDEL 1884 1984 may be found at the top center. Along the bottom are the denomination and the words POSTE VATICANE. The stamps measure 40 x 30mm. and have a perforation of 13-1/4 x 14. They were printed in multicolor photogravure and recess on white chalky paper and were issued in sheets of 40. 950,000 complete series were printed by the Italian State Polygraphic Institute and Mint. Gregor Johann Mendel was born at Heinzendorf in Silesia in 1822. He was educated at the University of Vienna. In 1843 he entered the Augustinian monastery at Brno. Men-del became abbot of the monastery in 1860. His experiments on the hybridization of peas led him to formulate the fundamental laws on the transmission of hereditary characteristics. These laws constitute the basis of the modern science of genetics. |
| (From Vatican Notes Volume 32, Number 6, May 1984, Page 1) |
