where the paper was constantly damp, but without the slight- 

 est alteration. 



i Its defects are the following : It acts on the quill so as to 

 / blunt it rapidly, and [to prevent the pens from giving fine 

 hair strokes ; no great evil compared to its advantages ; and 

 one which is obviated by the use of a metallic or a reed pen. 

 It is more easily washed out by water than common ink ; al- 

 though it is difficult to discharge it entirely in this way, as it 

 penetrates into the substance of the paper. This is a defect, 

 however, to which all the powder inks are completely exposed, 

 nor is it a trial to which manuscripts are likely to be subject- 

 ed. Lastly, the colour is brown, and not black. If that is a 

 defect to the eye, it is one that arises merely from habit. It 

 is, notwithstanding that, more visible than ordinary ink ; as 

 artists well know that brown is a more powerful colour. than 

 black, and forms a muchforward colour, or offers a stronger 

 contrast with white. / 



Such are its advantages and disadvantages; and I still 

 think that the balance is so much in its favour, that it ought 

 to be adopted for all public and legal documents, which it is 

 so essential to preserve from obliteration. 



This solution is also better adapted to water-colour painting 

 than common ground bistre. It makes a clear wash, which 

 f is not disturbed by fresh application, and which does not de- 

 posit powder, that vice of Chinese ink which almost renders 

 it useless in drawing. It has also the advantage of giving a 

 degree offorwardness, or intensity, in the foreground, which 

 cannot be obtained by common bistre ; and, for this purpose, 

 the solution in soda may conveniently be used, on account of 

 the facility with which the paper may be loaded with it. 



In terminating these remarks, I may add, that, in the use 

 of common ink, it is an error to write with that which is 

 blackest, although most agreeable to the eye at first. When 

 rendered thus black, which it is by keeping, a portion of the 

 tanno-gallot of iron has been deposited in the bottle, in con- 

 sequence of the process of oxydation; so that the fluid, 

 though darker, contains less of this salt than the pale ink 

 which is fresh made. The more that can be applied to the 

 paper, the longer it is likely to last ; and thus, when the f aint- 

 coloureo^new ink is used, the gr^^fet possible quantity is at- 

 tached to it ; while, in a few days, it becomes as black as if 

 it had been used in that state from previous standing. 



I am, yours truly, 



J, MACCULLOCH. 



