About This Stamp
The scientific contributions of Percy Lavon Julian (1899–1975) have affected the lives of many people afflicted by diverse ailments. As a research chemist, he synthesized cortisone for arthritis; identified physostigmine, a drug used to treat glaucoma, Alzheimer's, and nerves; and created a fire-extinguishing foam that was used for oil and gasoline fires during World War II. As an entrepreneur and scientist, he opened Julian Laboratories in 1953 to house his creative productivity. All in all he acquired over 115 patents in the chemical sciences.
This stamp is part of the Black Heritage stamp series. Initiated in 1978, the USPS continues to issue a stamp featuring a notable Black American every February in conjunction with Black History Month and at other times during the year.