INK

The composition of the ink used by the ancients is not well understood, but their products excelled ours in blackness and durability. The necessary components of ordinary black Writing Ink are gall, sulphate of iron, known generally as green vitriol or green copperas, and gum. The gum is added to retain the coloring matter and to give the mixture the necessary consistence. Copying Ink is more concentrated and contains more sugar, which keeps it moist longer. The Marking Ink used in marking boxes for shipment, etc., is a thin paint, made of lamp-black and spirits of turpentine.