First day cover quinine discovery 1820 Pelletier Caventou Saint-Omer

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This illustrated envelope is a "First Day Cover," dedicated to the discovery of quinine in 1820 by Pelletier and Caventou. On the front, the envelope features a colorful illustration depicting stylized portraits of J.B. Caventou and P.J. Pelletier, accompanied by a chemical formula (C₂₀H₂₄N₂O₄) and a graphic motif evoking science and chemistry. The inscription "BIENFAITEURS DE L’HUMANITÉ" (BENEFACTORS OF HUMANITY) is clearly legible in the upper left, highlighting the humanitarian theme of the issue.

Two round "Premier Jour" (First Day) postmarks are clearly affixed to the front, mentioning "1820 - DÉCOUVERTE DE LA QUININE - PELLETIER ET CAVENTOU - 622 SAINT-OMER," with the date 21-3-70. A predominantly blue-pink stamp, matching the illustration, also bears the effigies of the two scientists and a face value of 0.50 franc. The mention "PREMIER JOUR D'ÉMISSION" (FIRST DAY OF ISSUE) appears in the upper right, followed by its English equivalent "FIRST DAY COVER." A red "First Day Cover" cachet is also visible, adding an extra touch of philatelic authenticity.

The envelope is preserved in a transparent plastic sleeve, ensuring good protection against handling. In the lower right corner, a small handwritten label indicates "10F," likely an old price or an internal reference.

The graphic composition of this envelope highlights the commemorated event, with a style typical of the 1970s: bold colors, clean lines, and careful layout. The textual and visual elements are perfectly legible, making it attractive to any enthusiast of thematic philately or the history of science.

Condition

The envelope visible in the photo shows no major apparent defects. It is protected by a plastic sleeve, suggesting good general preservation. No traces of wear, creases, or stains are visible on the front.

Did you know? The discovery of quinine by Pelletier and Caventou in 1820 marked a turning point in the treatment of malaria. This first alkaloid isolated from cinchona bark made it possible to develop the first effective treatments against this disease, thus saving millions of lives worldwide.

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