Question On Stamp Gum

Hello all,
Sorry if this is in the incorrect section. I am doing an school project on the chemistry of stamps, focusing on pre self-adhesive stamps. I am trying to find what the stamp gum/adhesive prior to self adhesive stamps were, but have found different answers from different sources. The most common answer has been dextin. Can anyone give me insight into what this adhesive was? Any help is much appreciated!

Seen *this* question (many times) over the years...

Usually as a precursor to becoming a re-gummer...

I wouldn't answer this person's question...

I would hardly worry about someone getting into the regumming business when they clearly know so little about the subject.

A quick Google search brings up http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postage_stamp_gum.

I have no intention of becoming a "regummer", I've quite frankly have no idea what that means.

No big secret here Wheat Dextrin. The information is easily found on the internet. Percentage and proper application to the back of a stamp is another thing.