iron-gallic (gall-nuts, vitriol, gum Arabic and water) with soot

Ingredients

gall-nuts, vitriol, gum Arabic, water, soot

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

The ink is described as an admixture of traditional iron-gallic ink (composed of gall-nuts, vitriol, gum Arabic, and water) combined with soot (p. 157). This specific combination was noted for providing a superior permanence compared to simple carbon or simple iron-gall inks.

Evidence

"It was also very useful that a better and longer lasting ink was developed in the 4th/10th century from an admixture of ink made of iron-gallic (gall-nuts, vitriol, gum Arabic and water) with soot, which made possible a deep-black script that was non-fading and durable, without becoming pale or brown over the course of time."

Remarks

The development of this hybrid ink in the 4th/10th century was a significant technological advancement that ensured the long-term legibility of Arabic manuscripts. It prevented the common degradation where ink becomes pale or brown over centuries (p. 157).