Structured Abstract:
Objective: We tried to provide an overview of philatelic
materials related to Gynecology and Obstetrics.
Design: Sample philatelic materials including stamps, first day
covers and stamped postcards, all related to obstetrics and gynecology,
from the senior author’s personal archive were grouped according to
their titles and evaluated in detail.
Setting: We examine how stamp designers use visual imagery to
convey information to those who see, collect, and use stamps.
Method: Sample philatelic materials, related to obstetrics and
gynecology, were grouped according to their titles and evaluated in
detail.
Main outcome measures: Stamps dedicated to the Obstetrics and
Gynecology are usually printed in order to (a)pay tribute to the
pioneers of Obstetrics and Gynecology, (b)commemorate important
Obstetrics and Gynecology Facilities&Hospitals, (c)announce solid
improvements and innovations in the field or (d)memorialize important
meetings.
Results: The initial use of postage stamps was solely to pay the
fare of a postal service. Later on it was discovered that by using
stamps it was possible to distribute ideas and news among people and
also to inform them about developments, inventions, achievements and
historical facts.
Collecting Gynecology related philatelic materials is a very specialized
branch of medical philately. In general, the subjects of the stamps
dedicated to Obstetrics and Gynecology are, pioneers of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, important Obstetrics and Gynecology Facilities&Hospitals,
solid improvements and innovations in the field and important meetings.
Conclusion: Even though use of postage stamps is decreasing,
they are still among the best mediums to convey messages to broad
audience.
Funding: None.
Keywords: Commemoration, First Day Covers, Philately, Pioneers
of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stamps.