Omar Bennett
The founding documents of the United States, including the Constitution, were written using quill pens. Quill pens were made from the flight feathers of geese and were used before the invention of fountain pens and ballpoint pens. The Constitution was written on four pieces of animal skin in iron gall ink, likely using a goose quill. The document is written in Roundhand, a style that would be difficult to achieve with contemporary non-flexible writing instruments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Quill | Likely a goose feather quill |
| Type of Ink | Iron gall ink |
| Type of Paper | Parchment or animal skin |
| Style of Writing | Roundhand or Copperplate |
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What You'll Learn
The US Constitution was likely written with a goose quill
The Constitution was engrossed by Jacob Shallus, Assistant Clerk to the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Shallus' handwritten document lends a sense of elegance, authority, and anonymity to the Constitution, strengthening the persuasiveness of the arguments by distancing them from any individual.
The use of a goose quill to write the Constitution is consistent with the practice of writing important documents with quill pens during that time. The founding documents of the United States, including the Declaration of Independence, were also written with quill pens, specifically goose flight quills.
The process of writing with quill pens is intricate and requires skill and dedication. Quill pens are made from the flight feathers of geese, and each pen is unique due to the natural variations in the feathers. The quill maker must carefully select, clean, and carve the feathers to create a functional writing instrument.
The Syng inkstand, a renowned work of silversmithing by Irish immigrant Syng, was used during the Constitutional Convention. It included a quill holder, inkpot, and pounce pot, and is now on display in Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, along with copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
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Quill pens were used before the invention of fountain pens
The use of quill pens dates back to the time when Europeans started writing on parchment. Each quill is unique, with its own flaws and curves, as they are natural and individually grown. The Declaration of Independence, signed by 56 individuals, was written using a goose flight quill. Similarly, the founding documents of the United States, including the Constitution, were also penned with quill pens on parchment.
The Constitution of the United States was written on four pieces of animal skin using iron gall ink and a quill, likely made from a goose feather. The document was engrossed by Jacob Shallus, Assistant Clerk to the Pennsylvania General Assembly, in a style known as "Roundhand." The use of a quill contributed to the unique aesthetic qualities and line variance associated with early-American Roundhand.
The skill of writing by hand, or penmanship, was particularly important in the colonial era. Not all Americans had the opportunity to learn how to read and write, and the style of writing one learned varied according to social standing and gender. The act of writing was a necessary skill for fulfilling professional and social duties during that time.
Quill pens were eventually superseded by the invention of fountain pens, which offered a more convenient and less finicky writing experience. However, it is worth noting that even with the advancements in writing instruments, such as fountain pens and ballpoint pens, the art of calligraphy and beautiful writing continues to be valued and practiced by enthusiasts.
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The quill was likely split from a goose feather
The United States Constitution was likely written with a quill made from a goose feather. The use of quills dates back to the Europeans in 600-1800 AD, who wrote on parchment with quills made from the flight feathers of geese. The wing feathers, shaft, or quill was then carved to a point or rounded, depending on the preference of the writer.
Each quill is unique, with its own flaws and curves, and it takes a skilled quill maker to select, clean, and carve individual quills for writing. The process of writing with a quill requires a high level of dedication and sincerity, as any corrections mean starting over from the beginning. This is evident in the careful writing and corrections made in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, which were both written on parchment with quills.
The Constitution was engrossed by Jacob Shallus, Assistant Clerk to the Pennsylvania General Assembly, and written on four pieces of animal skin using iron gall ink. The document was written in "Roundhand," a style that would be difficult to achieve with most contemporary non-flexible writing instruments. The quill's flexibility and idiosyncrasies are evident in the writing of the Constitution, contributing to its unique aesthetic qualities.
The use of quills and handmade ink in the creation of important documents such as the Constitution highlights the primitive beginnings of the United States and the skill and dedication of its writers. The Syng inkstand, a renowned work of silversmith Syng, included a quill holder and became the property of the State of Pennsylvania after the Constitutional Convention.
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The document was written in Roundhand
The United States Constitution was written using a quill, likely made from a goose feather, by Jacob Shallus, Assistant Clerk to the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The document was written in Roundhand, a patrician style also known as English round hand or Copperplate. This style of penmanship was common in the colonial era, when only some Americans had the opportunity to learn how to read and write. The choice to use handwritten documents, rather than those produced by the printing press, lent elegance, authority, and anonymity to the Constitution.
Roundhand is characterised by quintessential line variance, which would be difficult to achieve with most contemporary non-flexible writing instruments. The use of a quill, with its natural idiosyncrasies, is evident in the writing of the Constitution. Each quill is unique, with its own flaws and curves, as they are individually grown and hand-crafted. The process of writing with a quill is a labourous one, requiring a high level of dedication and skill.
The Syng inkstand, an ornate inkstand decorated in the late Rococo style, became the property of the State of Pennsylvania after the Constitutional Convention. It 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 inkstand includes a pounce pot, quill holder, and inkpot, and was created by renowned silversmith Syng, who immigrated to America from Ireland in 1713.
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The quill was dipped in handmade ink
The United States Constitution was written with a quill pen, dipped in handmade iron gall ink. The act of writing the Constitution with a quill and ink is a testament to the dedication and skill of its writers. Quill pens, made from the flight feathers of geese, were used for writing on parchment before the invention of rolling writers, ballpoints, and fountain pens. Each quill is unique, with its own flaws and curves, requiring a skilled quill maker to carefully select, clean, and carve the feathers for writing.
The process of creating handmade ink, such as iron gall ink, involves specific ingredients and techniques. Iron gall ink, in particular, is made from a mixture of iron salts and tannic acids derived from natural sources, such as oak galls or nut galls. The process of making this ink can vary, but it typically involves soaking the iron salts and plant materials in water, sometimes with additional ingredients like gum arabic, to create a dark, permanent ink.
The use of a quill dipped in handmade ink for writing the Constitution reflects the time and effort invested in creating this important document. Writing with a quill requires patience and precision, as the writer must carefully dip the quill into the ink and apply the right amount of pressure when writing to avoid creating blotches or uneven lines. The combination of the quill and handmade ink resulted in the unique characteristics and aesthetic qualities evident in the Constitution's handwriting style, known as "Roundhand."
The Syng inkstand, created by renowned silversmith Syng who immigrated to America from Ireland in 1713, is a notable example of the tools used during this time. It included a quill holder, an inkpot, and other accessories, showcasing the attention to detail and craftsmanship that went into the writing process. The inkstand became the property of the State of Pennsylvania and is now displayed in Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, along with copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
The act of writing the Constitution with a quill dipped in handmade ink highlights the significance and craftsmanship involved in creating this foundational document. It serves as a reminder of the dedication and skill required to lay the foundations of a nation.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution was likely written with a goose feather quill, also known as a "goose flight quill".
The shaft of the feather would have been carved to a point or rounded, depending on the writer's preference.
Writing with a quill requires a lot of dedication. Making corrections was difficult, as it meant starting over from the beginning.
