Wilhelm Friedrich Ostwald (1853–1932) occupies a distinctive position in both Estonian and international scientific history. He was the only scientist to have received his higher education and pursued his academic career in Estonia, at the University of Tartu, and subsequently to have been awarded the Nobel Prize—the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1909.
The exhibition opened at the library explores Ostwald’s scientific legacy and historical significance through a selection of postal-history documents. The material provides a unique perspective on the enduring international recognition of Ostwald and his scientific achievements—from correspondence written in his own hand to commemorative issues and postal tributes from across Europe, the Caribbean, Asia and Africa.
Wilhelm Ostwald’s story in philately illustrates how the local and the global can converge in a single individual. Born in Latvia, educated in Estonia, and awarded the Nobel Prize in Germany, Ostwald continues to be commemorated on postage stamps both in the heart of Europe and across distant continents. His legacy has become an enduring part of the world’s cultural heritage and postal history.
Alongside postal history documents, visitors can also see the first edition of Wilhelm Ostwald’s autobiography (Part I, covering his youth and studies in Riga, Tartu, and Riga), published in 1926.
The digital version of the book is available here: Lebenslinien : eine Selbstbiographie. Teil 1, Riga-Dorpat-Riga 1853-1887. Berlin, 1926link opens in new page
The exhibition is open to visitors until 21 December. We warmly invite you to explore it.
Editor:
Chief Bibliographer
Vice Rector for Academic Affairs’ area of responsibility
Library
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53646000Additional information:
Senior Lecturer in Animal Biochemistry
Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences
Chair of Food Science and Technology
Chemistry unit
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