SQO INKS. 



the effects of acids, and are consequently by no means fit for records, 

 deeds, and other documents ; M. Westrumb recommends the fol. 

 lotting ingredients, as being well calculated to remedy this incon. 

 Tenience. lie directs one ounce of Brazil-wood, and a similar 

 quantity of gall-nuts, to be boiled in forty-six ounces (somewhat 

 less than three pints) of water, till the whole be reduced to thirty- 

 two ounces, or about two quarts. 



This decoction is to be poured, while hot, upon half an ounce 

 of copperas, or green vitriol ; a quarter of an ounce of gum-arabic, 

 and a similar quantity of white sugar. As soon as a perfect solu- 

 tion of these substances has taken place, one ounce and a quarter 

 of indigo finely pulverized is to be added ; together with three 

 quarters of an ounce of the purest lamp black, previously diluted 

 in one ounce of the best brandy. The whole is to be well incor- 

 porated ; and, after it has subsided, M. Westrumb asserts that it 

 will form an ink absolutely indestructible by acids. 



A more simple composition, is that proposed by M. Bosse, who 

 directs one ounce of Brazil. wood to be boiled in twelve ounces of 

 water, with half an ounce of alum, till the liquid be reduced to 

 eight ounces ; when one ounce of calcined manganese is to be 

 mixed with half an ounce of gum-arabic, and added to the liquor, 

 which should be previously decanted, in order to render it perfectly 

 limpid. This preparation is said to possess the property of being 

 indelible by the use of any kind of acid, and to be superior to that 

 proposed by M. Westrumb. 



A durable ink may also be prepared by washing paper, parch- 

 ment, &c. with the Prussic acid, which will not in the least injure 

 either of these substances. The materials, thus prepared, may be 

 written on with common ink, and a ground of Prussian blue will 

 be formed beneath every stroke, which will remain long after th 

 black has decayed by the influence of the air, or been destroyed 

 by acids. 



The latest, and perhaps most simple, preparation of black ink, 

 is that contrived by Van Mons, who observed that sulphate of iron, 

 or green vitriol, when calcined till it becomes white, uniformly 

 afforded a very beautiful black precipitate. According to his ex- 

 periments, the following ingredients produced an excellent writing 

 ink : four ounces of galls, two ounces and a half of calcined vitriol 

 of iron perfectly white, and two pints of water. The whole was 

 infused in a cold place for twenty. four hours ; adding ten drams of 



