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On June 18 1984, Vatican City issued a series of four stamps honoring cultural and scientific institutions of the Holy See. The denominations and subjects are as follows: 
150 lire - external view of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. 
 450 lire - seals on a document preserved in the Vatican Secret Archives. 
550 lire - the entrance to the Vatican Apostolic Library. 
1.500 lire - the Vatican Observatory at Castelgandolfo.

The designs include the names of each institution. Along the bottom of the stamps are the words POSTE VATICANE as well as the denomination. The illustrations were based on sketches by Professor Lino Bianchi Barriviera. They were engraved by G. Verdelocco, M. Codoni, V. Puliti and F. Borrelli, respectively. The stamps are horizontal in format, measuring 48 x 40 mm., and are perforated 14 x 14. They were produced on white chalky paper in multicolored offset, recess, and photogravure, and were issued in sheets of 25. 900,000 complete series were printed by the Italian State Polygraphic and Mint.

The Vatican Apostolic Library was established by Pope Sixtus IV in 1475 ( See Vatican *579-81). Since the late sixteenth century, the Library has been located in a special wing of the Vatican Galleries adjacent to the Belvedere Courtyard. The Library's collections include both printed works and priceless manuscripts. (Editor's Note: See Vatican Notes Volume 30-No. 6. page 6)

The Vatican Observatory was founded by Pope Gregory XIII in 1576. It was originally located in the Vatican's "Torre del Venti" (Tower of the Winds). In 1930, the Observatory was transferred to the Papal Palace at Castelgandolfo. It is the oldest astronomical institution in Europe.

The Pontifical Academy of Science has been in existence since 1603. In October of 1936, Pope Pius XI reestablished the Academy in its present location, the Casino of Pius IV in the Vatican Gardens (Vatican *227-28). Today the Academy includes scientists from many countries. Its purpose is to honor pure science by guaranteeing its freedom and promoting research.

The Vatican Secret Archives are the central archives of the Holy See. It was established by Pope Paul V between 1611 and 1614. The Archives contain many important historical documents, including the records of the Curia as well as Papal decrees and briefs. Its collections also include the diplomatic correspondence of Papal ambassadors (nuncios). Access to the Archives was strictly limited until the time of Pope Leo XIII. In 1881, this Pontiff ordered that scholars should have free access to the documents of the Archives. As a result, scholars from all parts of the world have conducted important historical research there. It was originally located in the same wing as the Vatican Library. However, underground extensions of both the Archives and the Library were recently inaugurated by Pope John Paul II.

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