6. Seed-lac, 1/2 oz.; borax, 1-1/2 dr.; water, 1/2 pint; boil to 8 oz.,
filter, and make a paste with pure lampblack, as before. When dry, it
resists the action of water.
_Obs._ The Chinese do not use glue in the preparation of their ink, but an
infusion or decoction of certain seeds abounding in a glutinous
transparent mucilage, which at once imparts brilliancy and durability to
the colour. Starch converted into gum by means of sulphuric acid, or
'British gum,' has been recommended as a substitute. (M. Merimée.) Indian
ink is chiefly employed by artists, but it has been occasionally given as
a medicine, dissolved in water or wine, in hæmorrhages and stomach
complaints.--_Dose_, 1 to 2 dr.
[_For continuation of the article on Inks, see Vol. II._]