Non-Corrosive Black Ink

Digest in an open vessel 42 oz. of coarsely-powdered nut-galls, 15 oz. of gum Senegal, 18 oz. of sulphate of iron, copperas free from copper, 3 dr. of aqua ammonia, 24 oz. of alcohol, and 18 qts. of distilled or rain-water. Continue the digestion until the fluid has assumed a deep black color. To make less quantity, use less of each ingredient, but in the same proportion. For cheap inks other ingredients may be substituted instead of part of the galls; logwood, catechu, sumac, and oak-bark may be used for the same purpose. Many other substances, such as elm wood, elder, chestnut, beech, willow, plum, cherry, and poplar, all contain a certain amount of astringent properties, but none of them are to be compared to galls, and are not likely to supercede them in the manufacture of ink so long as galls can be had for a fair price.

A Cheap Invisible Ink

Dissolve 1 fluid oz. of common oil of vitriol in a pint of soft water. Stir well and allow it to cool. Write with a clean pen. When dry it will be invisible, held to the fire it turns an indellible black.

Green Ink

Verdigris 2 oz., cream of tartar 1 oz., water 1/2 pt., reduce one-half by boiling, and filter, using druggist's filtering paper.

Blue Ink

Chinese blue 2 oz., boiling water 1 qt., oxalic acid 1 oz. Dissolve the blue in the water, then add the acid, and it is ready at once.