A philatelic table of the elements has previously been assembled with each element being represented by a postage stamp from 73 different stamp issuing entities. This table can provide a platform for discussions of the rich, varying histories and applications of 114 elements in both secondary school courses and non-major’s general science offerings at the college level. As part of an effort to develop supporting curricular resources, five elements (nitrogen, silicon, arsenic, chlorine, and iodine) represented by stamps celebrating their import in drug, health, and medical application fields have been selected. A French stamp commemorates the anniversary of the use of quinine (alkaloids/nitrogen) as an anti-malarial medication, while a Cambodian stamp highlights the efforts to control malaria via the use of DDT (organochlorine). A Swazi stamp delves into the history of the Havelock Asbestos Mine (silicon) and provides an opportunity to discuss the linkage of chrysotile to asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. A stamp issued by Germany celebrates the birthday of Ehrlich, who introduced the magic bullet (arsenical) concept associated with the advent of targeted chemotherapy. An Indian stamp commemorates Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Day (iodine). Narratives and bibliographies accompanying these five stamps will be developed to provide new teaching tools.

Philatelic table of the elements as a teaching tool: Topics in health and medicine

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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