Greek manuscripts in ink (on papyrus), of the third century before Christ, are in existence. We give specimens of the oldest known,—one written in Egypt, 260 B.C., being an order from Dioscorides, an officer of the government of Ptolemy Philadelphus, to another named Dorion. The translation of the words is “Dioscorides to Dorion, greeting. Of the letter to Dorion the copy is subjoined.” * * * We add other specimens, of the same and later periods. Of Latin writing with ink, the earliest we can find is the palimpsest of Cicero’s book, “De Republica,” which had been partly effaced to make room for a copy of Augustin’s commentary on the Psalms. It is believed by the learned that the original manuscript was executed at least as early as the second or third century of the Christian era. The restoration of this manuscript, and the discovery of this long-lost and earnestly sought classic gem, were the work of Cardinal Mai, as before mentioned. The original words are TETERRIMUS ET EX HAC VEL——, and are written in two columns on the page, while the later writing runs completely across the page. Of the earliest writing executed in France, after that country received its name from those who conquered it, we give a specimen from the beginning of a charter of King Dagobert I, executed A.D. 628. The words are—“QUOTIESCUMQUE PETITIONIBUS”—“However many times to petitions,” &c. It is a confirmation of a partition of property between two heirs. The monogrammatic autograph of the Great Karl, (in modern times called Charlemagne,) we present also as an object of interest. A.D. 800. The oldest specimen of writing in Great Britain which has been preserved to the nineteenth century, was a book believed to be not later than the year 600 of the Christian era. Astle has preserved an engraved specimen of it; but the priceless original has since been destroyed by fire in the British Museum. It was said to be a book of Augustin. A specimen still in existence, dates between the years 664 and 670. It is a charter of Sebbi, King of the East Saxons, and is easily read:—“I, Sebbi, King,” &c. We subjoin a few words from the commencement of a charter of William the Conqueror, whose reign commenced in England, A.D. 1066:—WILL: DEI GRA^{TIA} REX, &c., SCIATIS ME CONCESSISSE—“William, by the grace of God, King &c.: Know ye that I have granted—” ISAAC D’ISRAELI, in his Curiosities of Literature, (vol. 2, page 180, of the Boston edition,) gives a treatise on the “Origin of the Materials of Writing.” He commences it with these remarkable words: “It is curious to observe the various substitutes for paper before its discovery.”