Salmon, A. D. 1665, in his Polygraphics, proceeds to give instructions relative to inks which notwithstanding their merit are confounded with so many absurdities as to lessen their value for those who were unable to separate truth from falsehood; but he nevertheless dwells on the virtues of the "gall" inks.
Jacques Lemort, a Dutch chemist of some note, issued a treatise, A. D. 1669, on "Ink Formulas and Colors," seemingly selected from the books of those who had preceded him. He expresses the opinion that the "gall" inks if properly compounded would give beneficial results.
Formulas for making inks are found tucked away in some of the very old literature treating of "curious"things. One of them which appeared in 1669 directs:
"to strain out the best quality of iron employ old and rusty nails;" another one says, that the ink when made is to remain in an open vessel "for thirty days and thirty nights, before putting it in a parchment bag."An English compendium of ink formulas, published in 1693, calls attention to many formulas for black inks as well as gold, silver, and the colored ones; no comment, however, is made in respect to any particular one being better than another as to permanency, and these conditions would seem to have continued for nearly a century later, though the art of handwriting was making giant strides.
It is a remarkable fact that notwithstanding the numerous devotees to that art which included many of the gentler sex, reproductions of whose skill in "Indian"ink are to be found engraved in magnificent publications, both in book and other forms, there is no mention in them or in any others included within this period about the necessity of using any other DURABLEink for record or commercial purposes.
As indicative in some degree of the progress of the art of handwriting and handwriting materials, commencing A. D. 1525 and ending A. D. 1814, I present herewith a compilation of the names of over one hundred of the best known calligraphers and authors of the world, and not to be found as a whole in any public or private library. It is arranged in chronological order.
1525.
The first English essay on the subject of "Curious Calligraphy" was by a woman who from all accounts possessed most remarkable facility in the use of the pen as well as a knowledge of languages. Her name was Elizabeth Lucar; as she was born in London in 1510 and died 1537, her work must have been accomplished when only fifteen years of age.
1540.
Roger Ascham, best known as the tutor of Queen Elizabeth.
1570.
Peter Bales, author of many works, "The Writing Schoolmaster," which he published in three parts, being the best known. He was also a microscopic writer. His rooms were at the sign of "The Hand and Golden Pen,"London.
1571.
John de Beauchesne, teacher of the Princess Elizabeth, daughter of King James I. Author of many copy books.
1588.
John Mellis, "Merchants Accounts," etc.
1600.
Elizabeth Jane Weston, of London and Prague, wrote many poems in old Latin.
1600.
Hester Inglis, "The Psalms of David."
1601.
John Davies, "The Writing Schoolmaster, or Anatomy of Fair Writing."
1616.
Richard Gething, "The Hand and Pen;
1645, "Chirographia" and many others.
1618.
Martin Billingsley, "The Writing Schoolmaster, or the Anatomie of Fair Writing." This author was writing master to King Charles I.
1622.
David Brown, who was scribe to King James I.
"Calligraphia."
1622.
William Comley, "Copy-Book of all the most usual English Hands," etc.
1646.
Josiah Ricrafte, "The Peculiar Character of the Oriental Languages."
1650.
Louis Hughes, "Plain and Easy Directions to Fair Writing."
1650.
John Johnson, "The Usual Practices of Fair and Speedy Writing."
1651.
John Clithers, "The Pens Paradise," dedicated to Prince Charles.
1652.
James Seamer, "A Compendium of All the Usual Hands Written in England."
1657.
Edward Cocker, penman and engraver, famous in his time for the number and variety of his productions. Author of "The Pen's Triumph,""The Artist's Glory," "England's Penman," and many more.
1659.
James Hodder, "The Penman's Recreation," etc.
1660.
John Fisher, "The Pen's Treasury."
1663.
Richard Daniel, "A Compendium of many hands of Various Countries."
1669.
Peter Story or Stent, "Fair Writing of Several Hands in Use."
1678.
William Raven, "An Exact Copy of the Court Hand."
1680.
Peter Ivers, famous for his engrossing and drawings.
1680.
Thomas Watson, "Copy-Book of Alphabets."
1681.
John Pardie, "An Essay on the German Text and Old Print Alphabets."
1681.
Thomas Weston, "Ancilla Calligraphiae."
1681.
Peter Gery, "Copy book of all the Hands in use, Performed according to the Natural Freeness of the Pen."
1681.
William Elder, "Copy-book of the most useful and necessary Hands now used in England."
1683.
John Ayers, "Tutor to Penmanship," and many others.
1684.
Caleb Williams, "Nuncius Oris," written and engraved by himself.
1693.
Charles Snell, "The Penman's Treasury Opened;" 1712, "Art of Writing in Theory and Practice;" 1714, "Standard Rules," etc.
1695.
Richard Alleine, writing master.
1695.
Eleazer Wigin, "The Hand and Pen."
1695.
John Sedden, "The Penman's Paradise."
1696.
John Eade, writing master.
1699.
Joseph Alleine, published several books about writing and accounts.
1699.
Robert More, "The Writing Masters Assistant."1725. "The General Penman."
1700.
