There are many products around us that we take for granted and often don’t notice till they are gone, like ink. But this fascinating substance that we use to write, print, and decorate with has a history – a weird history! Learn eclectic facts about ink!
Let’s Take a Step Back
Ink is believed to have been first invented in 2607 BC by Chinese philosopher Tien-Lcheu. His ink was made from a mixture of pine wood soot, lamp oil, and animal matter.
Since then, ink has been made from plant and fruit extracts (particularly berries). For over seven hundred years (from the 12th century to the 19th) Iron Gal Ink, composed of iron salts and tanic acids, was most popular. Never heard of Iron Gal Ink? Then you’ll be surprised to discover it was used by Shakesphere, Leonardo da Vinci, and Bach. Iron Gal Ink was often used in tandem with the quill, first invented in the 6th century, but still used until the 19th.
Most inks were water based. It wasn’t until the 15th century that Johannes Gottenburg decided to make an oil based ink that worked better with his printing press.
Quirks of Ink Today
Today, ink has a variety of compositions depending on its purpose. Though 90% of inks are made for printing, that remaining ten percent includes pens, markers, and other decorative inks. Most inkjet cartridges are made from roughly 50% water mixed with the ink and other chemicals that prevent the ink from evaporating.
Today, ink is one of the most expensive liquids in the world! Even our basic inks are shockingly expensive. If you think about the retail cost of ink, and how an average HP 20 black ink cartridge consisting of 28 ml of ink costs about $40 each, that adds up to ink costing $1,440 for just a single liter!
Think Ink for the Future
If you think the history of ink has flat lined into a consistent formula for printing since the days of the past, think again. As history continues to be written, companies explore different benefits of ink. Research has found that the antioxident properties in squid ink can protect white blood cell production, boost immunity, and thus help fight cancer.
Though we love ink for printing, it has many different possibilities.
What do you use ink for?
