In 1937, France issued a commemorative stamp to celebrate the 300th anniversary of René Descartes’ “Discourse on the Method”, a monumental work that laid the foundation for modern philosophy and scientific reasoning. This beautiful stamp, engraved by Henri Cheffer, showcases Descartes alongside the title of his groundbreaking treatise. However, the issue became even more notable due to a significant design error that was later corrected, making it a fascinating piece of philatelic and intellectual history.
About the Work: “Discourse on the Method“
René Descartes’ Discourse on the Method (Discours de la méthode pour bien conduire sa raison, et chercher la vérité dans les sciences) was first published in 1637 in Leiden, Netherlands. Written in French instead of the traditional Latin of scholarly works, the book aimed to make Descartes’ revolutionary ideas accessible to a broader audience.
The treatise is one of the most influential works in modern philosophy and the natural sciences. It outlines Descartes’ method of reasoning and introduces his famous dictum:
“Je pense, donc je suis” (I think, therefore I am).
This principle, found in Part IV of the work, serves as a foundation for Cartesian philosophy. Descartes sought to tackle skepticism by doubting everything to identify truths that were beyond dispute. His philosophical approach reshaped the way humanity viewed knowledge, reason, and the scientific method.
The Discourse also includes an introduction to his works on optics (Dioptrique), meteorology (Météores), and geometry (Géométrie). Notably, La Géométrie introduces the Cartesian coordinate system, which remains a cornerstone of mathematics.
Design and Production of the Stamp
The commemorative 90c scarlet stamp was issued on June 10, 1937 to mark the tricentennial of the Discourse on the Method. The design by Henri Cheffer features:
- A portrait of René Descartes.
- The year 1637, referencing the publication year of the treatise.
- The title of the work inscribed on an open book in the background.
The engraving is detailed and elegant, reflecting the intellectual depth of Descartes’ contributions.
The Error and Correction
The initial issue (SG 574) contained a notable error in the inscription:
- The title was incorrectly written as “Discours sur la Méthode” (Discourse on the Method) instead of the correct “Discours de la Méthode” (Discourse of the Method).
This error was soon corrected (SG 575), and stamps with the corrected inscription were reissued. The error makes the original version more sought after by collectors.
Catalogue Information
- Designer/Engraver: Henri Cheffer (recess-printed).
- Perforation: 13.
- Stanley Gibbons Reference: SG 574 (Error) and SG 575 (Corrected).
- Valuation: Referenced from the Stanley Gibbons catalogue: £2.75 mint / £1.80 used (Error), and £8.75 mint / £2.40 used (Corrected). Valuation data is provided for educational purposes and referenced from the Stanley Gibbons catalogue
Collecting Insights
Why This Issue Stands Out
- Intellectual Legacy:
This stamp celebrates a cornerstone of Western philosophy and science. Descartes’ contributions to epistemology and mathematics make this issue historically significant. - The Error:
Errors in stamp production often create intrigue, and the initial misprint on this stamp adds an extra layer of collectability. The corrected version’s higher valuation reflects its desirability. - Beautiful Design:
The engraving captures Descartes’ likeness and the intellectual essence of his work, making it a visually appealing addition to any philatelic collection.
Tips for Collectors
- Pair Collecting: For completeness, aim to collect both the error and corrected versions.
Descartes’ Enduring Legacy
René Descartes is often called the “Father of Modern Philosophy.” His work, including the Discourse on the Method, laid the groundwork for a new approach to knowledge based on reason and evidence rather than tradition or authority. His ideas continue to influence philosophy, science, and mathematics.
The choice to honor Descartes with a stamp in 1937 highlights his enduring impact on French intellectual history and the world. The issue is a reminder of how stamps can serve as cultural artifacts, celebrating the milestones of human thought and progress.