Good morning, everyone. Today we're going to discuss the history of the postal service. In the 19th century, the introduction of the postage stamp revolutionized communication. Before stamps, the recipient usually paid for the letter, which often led to refusal. The first adhesive stamp, the Penny Black, was issued in Britain in 1840. It featured a portrait of Queen Victoria and was printed in black ink, hence its name. Interestingly, the stamp was not an immediate success because people were suspicious of pre-paying. However, within a few decades, the system became standard worldwide, significantly reducing postal costs and increasing mail volume.