Excerpt from the opening pages:"Ink IS history, in the common acceptation of the word; for, what is generally denominated history-is ink diffused on paper in certain definite lines. Yet ink has no history written or composed hitherto. In view of this deficiency-which betrays a singular negligence (on the part of historians and all literary men) and a thoughtless ingratitude to this indispensable means of accomplishing and preserving their work-we propose to supply the desideratum, by furnishing, on these little pages, what is indicated by the above title, in the fullest sense and widest scope of the term, including its etymology, its chemistry, and all that can be suggested and justified by the title, or fairly demanded under it, or claimed from it."