White Ink.
There is really no such article as “white ink.” A true ink is a solution of some substance or combination of substances in liquid. Colored liquids, however, may be prepared with various substances not soluble in the liquids available for writing fluids. A “white ink” may be made by rubbing the finest zinc white, or white lead, with a dilute solution of gum arabic. It must be stirred up whenever the pen or brush is dipped into it.
Purple Hektograph Ink.
To make the purple hektograph ink:—Dissolve 1 part of methyl-violet in 8 parts of water, and add 1 part of glycerine. Gently warm the whole for about an hour, then allow to cool and add ¼ part alcohol. It is said, on good authority, that the alcohol may be advantageously omitted, and that the following proportions will give even better results than the above, viz: Methyl-violet, 1 part; water, 7 parts; glycerine, 2 parts. This formula, it is said, produces an ink which is less liable to sink into the paper.
A Dark Red Indelible Ink.
An indelible red ink for marking linen may be made from the following formula:
Prepare three separate solutions:
| I. | Sodium carbonate | 3 | drs. | |
| Acacia | 3 | " | ||
| Water | 12 | " |
With this moisten the spot to be marked, and dry and smooth with a hot flat iron.
| II. | Platinum bichloride | 1 dr. | |
| Water | 2 oz. |