Digital Collections

Witco Stamp Collection

137 items

Spanning the years 1910-1983, this collection of international postage stamps and philatelic material depict various aspects of chemistry and related sciences. In addition to postage stamps, the collection contains proofs, first day covers, cachets, and postmarks from over 90 countries. Topics portrayed on the stamps include alchemy, Nobel Prize winners, atomic energy, science education, chemical industries, energy conservation, the petroleum industry, as well as botanical and mineral drugs. The collection was compiled by Richard M. Lawrence over a 40-year period and was also known as "The World of Chemistry in Stamps." The collection was sold to the Witco Chemical Corporation in 1983 before eventually being donated by Witco's successor the Crompton Corporation. A portion of the collection has been digitized and is available online.