Looking for the missing link in the evolution of black inks

Abstract In the transition from carbon to iron-gall inks, two documents Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection in Berlin with shelfmarks P 13500 13501 discussed this work present an important case. Their inks appear brownish, although they date back fourth third century BCE, when are believed have been commonly if not exclusively used. Using imaging micro-X-ray fluorescence infrared reflectography, we discovered that both contain a significant amount of copper addition carbon. Comparing extant recipes for black writing experimental evidence, suggest these between pure inks. Such may quite common before production ink was clearly understood established.