Iron gall ink (also known as iron gall nut ink or oak gall ink) is a purple-black or brown-black ink made from iron salts and tannic acids from vegetable sources. It was the standard writing and drawing ink in Europe, from about the 12th century to the 19th century, and remained in use well into the 20th century.
Read more about Iron Gall Ink: Preparation and Use, Chemistry, Demise, Fountain Pens
Famous quotes containing the words iron, gall and/or ink:
“Hate-hardened heart, O heart of iron,
iron is iron till it is rust.
There never was a war that was
not inward; I must
fight till I have conquered in myself what
causes war, but I would not believe it.”
—Marianne Moore (1887–1972)
“Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs,
Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers’ eyes,
Being vexed, a sea nourished with lovers’ tears.
What is it else? A madness most discreet,
A choking gall and a preserving sweet.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“Traveling takes the ink out of one’s pen as well as the cash out of one’s purse.”
—Herman Melville (1819–1891)