https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/102355 2026-04-11T03:25:01Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/102621 Title: Archer's perforation: an interesting discovery Abstract: The stamps known to have been perforated by Archer were generally well perforated and evenly centred. Stamps from Plates 90 and 92 to 101 have been identified as having been perforated by him. Records show that these plates were in use while Archer was making his perforating experiments. It is therefore safe to assume that stamps printed from plates in use during this time would be drawn upon, thus accounting for the many different plates known. [excerpt] 1968-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/102620 Title: Philatelists and stamp collectors Abstract: Where-in lies the difference between a philatelist and a stamp collector? To many people the names are synonymous. If we had been asked to define the terms we should have suggested that "a stamp collector" belongs to that great body of people who are actuated by the acquisitive instinct, while "a philatelist" is he who possesses also the inquisitive instinct. In other words, we imagine that the "stamp collector" is concerned more with the actual collecting than with the study of matters pertaining to the production, issue and use of stamps. 1968-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/102619 Title: Disinfected letters Abstract: In our times no one is at all surprised to see that many countries demand a vaccination certificate from travellers who reach their frontiers, be they tourists, immigrants or even only in transit; and no one would ever dream of evading the duty of immunizing oneself against smallpox, typhus, cholera or yellow fever when undertaking an international voyage. Let us for a moment go back to, say, the last two centuries and we shall undoubtedly find that the history of these times has some very dark pages dealing with the frightful and deadly epidemics of plague, cholera smallpox and other infectious diseases which during these times afflicted humanity to a very great extent. During the latter centuries the Sanitary Authorities became deeply concerned by the arrival of the mail. Although at the time the existence of bacilli was still unknown, yet it had already been assumed that letters could be good carriers of contagious disease. In some instances the Authorities went so far as to stop altogether the circulation of letters. Later it had been decided to disinfect the flaps or as it was then called to purify them. 1968-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/102618 Title: Malta "Services Week" cancellation : approved "Combination" covers Abstract: A Souvenir Cover with the Maltese Cross and the badges of the British Army, the R.A.F. and the Royal Navy, and inscribed Visit of H.M. THE QUEEN/MAHA SERVICES WEEK/NOVEMBER 1967 at the top and POSTAL &. COURIER/COMMUNICATIONS R.E. at the foot was issued by the Services Post Office on November 17th, during the recent Royal Visit, and sold for the Services Benevolent Fund. [excerpt] 1968-01-01T00:00:00Z