Thanks to significant technological advancements over the
past century, especially the last few decades, we can document our stories and
record history as it happens, but that wasn't always the case. Ink was the sole
form of communication for previous generations up until inventions such as the
camera, and it still has a well-cemented place in today's society.
At Centre Colours, we supply the ink, paint and coating
industries with high-quality pigment dispersions, bespoke blend scheme inks and
performance inks. Thanks to having a manufacturing facility with the most
technologically advanced equipment near Sherburn in Elmet, we're the go-to
provider for businesses in Leeds, Bradford and West Yorkshire.
Naturally, given our place in the market, we take an
interest in strange and fascinating facts about ink, its applications and its
history. Below, we share five of the most surprising ink facts that you won’t
believe at the first time of reading.
1.
The Origins of Ink Date Back to the Bronze
Age
There are actually different theories regarding when humans
first manufactured and used ink, but we can all agree that it happened
thousands of years ago. One historian named BN Goswamy believes that a philosopher
called Tien-Lcheu invented ink during the Bronze Age in the year 2697 BC. That
means that we've been using ink almost continuously for over 4,500 years.
2.
Permanent Ink Isn't Really Permanent
Regardless of when ink was invented, people have always been
searching for ways to ensure their paintings and messages could be seen by
future generations for millennia to come, and modern inventions like permanent
markers demonstrate this way of thinking in modern humans. However, an
eco-friendly and non-toxic lanolin-based cream will remove most types of
permanent ink easily.
3.
Squid Ink Can Help Fight Cancer
Thanks to a relatively recent discovery, we can use squid
ink for more than just pasta and risotto dishes. Researchers have found that
squid ink has antioxidant properties that boost your immunity. Perhaps more
impressively, squid ink enhances the production of white blood cells and stops
blood vessels growing in tumours to fight cancer.
4.
Ancient Civilisations Made Ink from People
In many ancient cultures, making ink from the burnt bones and
ashes of the deceased was far from uncommon. Of course, such a practice is infrequent
nowadays, though Mark Gruenwald, a long-time Marvel employee, had some of his
ashes mixed with ink and inserted in an issue of Squadron Supreme after passing
away following a heart attack in 1996.
5.
Some People Make Ink from Their Own Blood
Despite being painful to extract as well as being a
low-quality ink, many people use blood to make their mark. Saddam Hussein was
thought to have had a Koran inscribed with his blood, and modern artists such
as Jordan Eagles and Vincent Castiglia use blood as their paint.
As it turns out, ink is an integral part of human evolution,
and it still shapes the way in which many people operate today. If you're a
business in the paint, ink or coating industry and want to learn more about
modern technologies such as pigment dispersions and litho concentrates, contact us today
on 01977 685
458, or speak to one of our professionals at Bypass Park Estate, Leeds, LS25
6EP.
