This section is from "Scientific American Vol XXXVI. No. 8", by Munn & Co. Also available from Amazon: Scientific American Science Desk Reference.
Von Bele gives the following method for preparing an ink for marking linen and cotton: Neutralize 75 grains of carbonate of ammonia with pure nitric acid, and triturate 45 to 60 grains of carmine with the solution. Mordant the fabric with a mixed solution of acetate of alumina and tin salt, and write upon it, when it is perfectly dry, with the ink.
 
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