Ancient ink

MATERIAL CULTURE: Solving the Mystery of Ancient Ink Origins (Eve M. Kahn, Antiques column, NYT). Fun facts about current scholarly research on ancient inks.

ll this new scholarship could be useful for experts authenticating manuscripts and for conservators trying to stabilize documents damaged by corrosive inks. Extracts in the formulas may also indicate where tree species once flourished and help identify the trade routes for ink products.

Some past stories in which ancient ink matters are noted here and here, both with many links.