Omar Bennett
The ink used to write the US Constitution is known as iron gall ink. The document was written on four pieces of animal skin using a quill, likely made from a goose. The Syng inkstand, an ornate inkstand decorated in the late Rococo style, is believed to have been used during the writing of the Constitution. The inkstand was created by silversmith Syng, who immigrated to America from Ireland in 1713 and was an associate of Benjamin Franklin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ink | Iron gall ink |
| Type of pen | Quill, likely made from goose |
| Type of paper | Animal skin |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Style of handwriting | Roundhand |
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What You'll Learn
The US Constitution was written with iron gall ink
The United States Constitution was written with iron gall ink, a common type of ink at the time. The use of this ink helps to preserve the document, as iron gall ink is known for its durability and resistance to fading.
The US Constitution was engrossed, or written in large, clear letters, by Jacob Shallus, the Assistant Clerk to the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Shallus used a quill, likely made from a goose feather, to write the Constitution on four pieces of animal skin. The document is written in "Roundhand," a style known for its distinctive line variance, which would be difficult to achieve with most contemporary non-flexible writing instruments.
The choice of ink and the careful preservation efforts have helped ensure the longevity of the US Constitution. The document has undergone conservation treatments and is now sealed in a state-of-the-art encasement, protecting it from damage and ensuring its readability for future generations.
The use of iron gall ink was not unique to the US Constitution, as it was also used in other important historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence. The preservation and study of these documents, including analyzing the ink and writing implements used, provide valuable insights into the history of printing, preservation, and patriotism.
The Syng inkstand, a renowned silversmith's work from 1731, is also associated with the era of the Constitution's creation. The inkstand, now on display in Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park, includes a pounce pot, quill holder, and inkpot, reflecting the writing tools of the time.
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The ink was applied to animal skin with a quill
The United States Constitution was written on four pieces of animal skin using iron gall ink and a quill, likely made from a goose. The use of a quill would have given the writing its unique characteristics, including the idiosyncrasies and line variance associated with the "Roundhand" style of the time.
The process of applying ink to animal skin with a quill was a skilled task, requiring a steady hand and precision. Quill pens were made from bird feathers, typically from larger birds such as geese, swans, or turkeys, as these feathers had stronger shafts and could hold more ink. The feather would be carefully trimmed and shaped to create a flexible writing tip, allowing for the creation of thin or thick lines depending on the angle and pressure applied.
Iron gall ink, a common choice for writing during the 18th century, was made from a mixture of iron salts and tannic acids derived from plants or oak galls. This ink had a deep, dark colour and was known for its durability and permanence on paper or animal skin. However, over time, the acidic nature of iron gall ink could cause the ink to eat into the writing surface, leaving behind a characteristic "ink burn."
The application of ink with a quill required a different technique compared to modern writing instruments. The writer would dip the quill into an inkpot, allowing the ink to be drawn up through capillary action. Too much ink, and it would drip and splatter; too little, and the lines would be faint and inconsistent. The writer had to carefully manage the ink flow, ensuring a steady supply without over-saturating the quill.
The process of writing the Constitution with a quill and iron gall ink on animal skin was a meticulous and time-consuming endeavour, reflecting the importance and solemnity of the document being created. The result was a unique and distinct style of handwriting, capturing the spirit of the time and the ideals of liberty and freedom enshrined in the United States Constitution.
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The Syng inkstand was used to hold the ink
The ink used to write the US Constitution was likely iron gall ink, and it was held in a famous inkstand known as the Syng inkstand. This inkstand was used to hold the ink and the quill used for writing the US Constitution. It is decorated in a late Rococo style and includes a pounce pot, quill holder, and inkpot. The Syng inkstand was created by a renowned silversmith named Syng, who immigrated to America from Ireland in 1713. He created fine works in silver and gold for the wealthy families of Philadelphia and was an associate of Benjamin Franklin. Syng was also a prominent member of the Philadelphia community, assisting in the founding of the Library Company of Philadelphia, the American Philosophical Society, the Union Fire Company, and the University of Pennsylvania. In 1731, he served as the Grand Master of Masons in Pennsylvania.
The Syng inkstand is a significant artifact in American history, as it played a role in the drafting of the US Constitution. After the Constitutional Convention ended, the inkstand became the property of the State of Pennsylvania and was moved to the state capital in Harrisburg. Today, it is on display in a special case in Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, along with copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The inkstand serves as a reminder of the craftsmanship and dedication that went into the creation of important historical documents.
Inkstands, in general, were useful household objects when quill pens and dip pens were commonly used for writing. They could be made of various materials, depending on the social class of the owner. Basic inkstands included a pen, a tightly capped inkwell, and a sand shaker for drying the ink. More ornate versions might also include a pen holder, a candle for sealing wax, and a pot for pouring pounce, which was used to size parchment or vellum.
The Syng inkstand, in particular, is an excellent example of the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into the creation of inkstands during the 18th century. Its late Rococo style and the inclusion of a pounce pot, quill holder, and inkpot make it a unique and valuable artifact. The inkstand's historical significance and its association with the drafting of the US Constitution further add to its importance and make it a cherished part of American history.
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The ink was preserved letter by letter
The ink used to write the US Constitution was iron gall ink, a common type of ink at the time. The document was written on four pieces of animal skin using a quill, likely made from a goose feather. The Constitution, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, are known as the Charters of Freedom and are preserved at the National Archives Building's historic Rotunda in Washington, D.C.
Over time, the Declaration of Independence has suffered damage due to improper handling and exposure to damaging light for 35 years, causing the ink to fade and flake off. To prevent similar damage to the Constitution, conservators have examined the ink on the document letter by letter to ensure that the original iron gall ink remains well adhered to the animal skin. This meticulous preservation work helps to secure the content of the text for future generations.
The process of preserving the ink involves conducting a detailed condition assessment and writing a report on the findings. This is followed by developing a treatment proposal outlining specific procedures to address any issues. As part of the scientific study and analysis, microscopic surface samples of the parchment may be taken, and small samples of ink from areas of spatter or smears may be removed to verify the composition of the ink.
In addition to preserving the ink, conservators also consider the historical context of the document. For example, small puncture holes and vertical slits along the top edges of each page of the Constitution were left untreated as they provided evidence of historical techniques used to bind the document leaves together. The preservation of the ink and the document itself is crucial to ensure that the timeless messages of liberty and freedom contained within the Constitution are accessible for generations to come.
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The ink was damaged by light exposure
The ink used to write the US Constitution was iron gall ink, which was a common type of ink at the time. It was made using iron salts and tannic acids derived from galls found on trees. This ink was chosen for its indelibility, and it was widely used for documentation from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century.
Unfortunately, the ink of the Declaration of Independence, written with the same type of ink as the Constitution, suffered extensive damage due to light exposure. For 35 years, the document was exposed to damaging light, causing the ink to fade significantly. This realisation prompted the Library of Congress to take stewardship of the document, placing it behind panes of glass with a sheet of yellow gelatin to protect it from further deterioration.
The effects of light exposure on iron gall ink can be attributed to the presence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight. UV radiation is known for its ability to bleach and break down materials, causing colours to fade and ink to deteriorate. While artificial light also emits UV radiation, it is at a much lower intensity and, therefore, is not as damaging as direct sunlight.
To prevent further damage to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, these documents are now stored in controlled environments, away from direct sunlight. Conservators and archivists play a crucial role in preserving these important historical documents, ensuring their longevity for future generations.
It is worth noting that, while light exposure is a significant factor in ink degradation, other factors can also contribute. For example, the Declaration of Independence suffered damage due to crude folding and rolling during the early days of the Revolutionary War, causing some of the ink to flake off. Additionally, early preservation attempts, such as pressing wet fabric against the ink, also contributed to the ink's deterioration.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution was written using iron gall ink.
The inkstand, known as the Syng inkstand, was made from silver and gold.
The Syng inkstand was made by silversmith Joseph Syng, who immigrated to America from Ireland in 1713.
The Syng inkstand is now on display in a special case in Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, along with copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
The US Constitution was written with a quill, likely made from goose feathers.
