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  • Issue: April 1964
  • Designer: A. Kalderon
  • Plate no.: 110 - 112
  • Method of printing: Photolithography

The Weizmann Institute of Science at Rehovot has a staff of over 1,000, including more than 300 scientists and graduate students. It has 19 research units in the fields of physics, biology, mathematics and chemistry, as well as a graduate school and an applied research affiliate.

The "16th Independence Day" stamp series shows research work in biology and applied mathematics.

Terrestrial Spectroscopy

One of the main means of studying geophysics - the physics of the earth - is by recording earth tremors with the aid of seismic equipment.

In order to understand the implications of the resulting seismograms, theoretically computed seismograms were obtained. They helped to explain the physical properties of the globe.

One of the features both observed and theoretically evaluated was the so-called free oscillations of the earth. The excellent correlation between calculations and observation has led to a better understanding of variations in the density of the material in the interior of the earth.

Calculations of periods of free oscillations performed at the Weizmann Institute of Science showed for the first time that the levels of free oscillation split due to the rotation of the earth. As a result a new science which forms part of geophysics was created at the Weizmann Institute - Terrestrial Spectroscopy.

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Macromolecules Of The Living Cell

Macromolecular substances are among the most important constituents of the living cell. They include the proteins, the polysaccharides and the nucleic acids. The macromolecules are long chains built from a small number of basic units. They can be folded into globular coils or extended from fibers. The strength of silk and cotton fibers, the working capacity of muscles and the role of nucleic acids in the "genetic codes" derive from the special structure of the macromolecules.

The study of macromolecules, both synthetic and natural, is one of the most fertile fields of modern science, and Weizmann Institute researchers have contributed to its advancement.

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Electronic Computer

In 1954 work was completed in the Weizmann Institute's Applied Mathematics Department on Israel's first electronic computer, the "Weisac", which operated until the beginning of 1964. During its 50,000 hours of computing, the "Weisac" was instrumental in opening up new fields in geophysics, statistical mechanics and atomic physics. Besides these researches. the "Weisac" also aided in the solution of problems in nuclear physics, crystallography, isotopes and chemistry. A new computer was purchased in 1963, the "1604". At the same time, members of the Applied Mathematics Department were building another electronic computer, the "Golem", which was completed in 1964. It had an accuracy of 19 decimals and was extremely rapid in its operation.

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16th Independence Day