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Texas ISD School Guide
Texas ISD School Guide







Short Stories for Teachers

History of Ink
By:Owais Siddiqui Jr

A liquid that contains various dyes or pigments used to color a surface for producing a design, text or image is termed as ink. They are used for writing or drawing using a brush, quill or pen. Usually, the thick ink-like paste is utilized in letter-press.

The 'history of Ink' finds its way back in India from the fourth century BC when this was termed 'masi', the admixture of various components. In Southern India, the writing or practice with ink & a sharp needle was common when many Jain-sutras were in print. Several ancient cultures worldwide have discovered & formulated inks independently for the purpose of writing and drawing. But the 'history of ink' in China could be traced from twelfth century when animal, mineral and natural plant inks were mixed along with water. Then they were applied with brushes.

The original Chinese inks were similar to the modern ink-sticks which were discovered during 256 BC. This ink was produced with physical labor from soot and animal glue. The Indian ink that was utilized in ancient India from fourth century was termed 'masi' that was prepared from tar, pitch and burnt bones. In the ancient Rome, Atramentum was commonly used. Those days, ink was prepared by mixing tannin with Iron salts. And when they were put on paper, they were seen as bluish black color which faded as the years passed by.

Then in fifteen century in Europe, a special kind of ink was developed for being used in the printing press. In Printers, the ink cartridge a container is used which stores ink supply. As pens require an ink-refill, so does the printer require a printer ink cartridge. Printers are mechanized versions of pen.

After ink was discovered, people started making use of them to write creative things on paper. Then there came a need for printing these creative writings for which the printers were invented. Basically, two types of printers came into market during 1984 they were: printer ink cartridges and inkjet printers.

Today, there are 4 large firms worldwide which provide branded inkjet printers they are: Lexmark, Epson, Canon and HP. These brands became the driving vehicles behind wide recognition of the printer ink cartridges. Nowadays, both white and black color inks are available in market. It's your choice to choose the ink that suites your personality.

Ink can be considered to be a miraculous invention as it helps people deliver their thoughts clearly and in a better way.

For more information on laser toners or printer ink visit www.inkworksdirect.com.






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