Ink, In′dian. Syn. China ink; Atramentum indicum, L. Prep. 1. Lampblack (finest) is ground to a paste with very weak liquor of potassa, and this paste is then diffused through water slightly alkalised with potassa, after which it is collected, washed with clean water, and dried; the dry powder is next levigated to a smooth, stiff paste, with a strong filtered decoction of carrageen or Irish moss, or of quince seed, a few drops of essence of musk, and about half as much essence of ambergris being added, by way of perfume, towards the end of the process; the mass is, lastly, moulded into cakes, which are ornamented with Chinese characters and devices, as soon as they are dry and hard.
2. A weak solution of fine gelatin is boiled at a high temperature in a Papin’s digester for 2 hours, and then in an open vessel for 1 hour more; the liquid is next filtered and evaporated to a proper consistence, either in a steam or salt-water bath; it is, lastly, made into a paste, as before, with pure lampblack which has been previously heated to dull redness in a well-closed crucible. Neither of the above gelatinise in cold weather, like the ordinary imitations.
3. (Gray.) Pure lampblack made up with asses′-skin glue, and scented with musk.
4. (Merimée.) Dissolve superfine glue in water, add a strong solution of nut-galls, and wash the precipitate in hot water; then dissolve it in a fresh solution of glue, filter, evaporate to a proper thickness, and form it into a paste as before, with purified lampblack.
5. (Proust.) As No. 1 (nearly).
6. Seed-lac, 1⁄2 oz.; borax, 11⁄2 dr.; water, 1⁄2 pint; boil to 8 oz., filter, and make a paste with pure lampblack, as before. When dry, it resists the action of water.
Obs. The Chinese do not use glue in the preparation of their ink, but an infusion or decoction of certain seeds abounding in a glutinous transparent mucilage, which at once imparts brilliancy and durability to the colour. Starch converted into gum by means of sulphuric acid, or ‘British gum,’ has been recommended as a substitute. (M. Merimée.) Indian ink is chiefly employed by artists, but it has been occasionally given as a medicine, dissolved in water or wine, in hæmorrhages and stomach complaints.—Dose, 1 to 2 dr.
[For continuation of the article on Inks, see Vol. II.]
END OF VOL. I.