Though its great original and continual employment is in writing, it must be remembered that it is also largely used in the delineation of objects by artists. Ink and paint are mutually convertible to each other’s uses, but are yet so distinct in character and objects, that no one regards the words as synonymous, and no precise definition is needed to teach the distinction between them. As, for instance, in pen-and-ink drawings and sketches, the ink serves the purpose of paint. So likewise in the letters on sign-boards, &c. paint may be considered as a substitute for ink. The artist who traces his name on the canvas in a corner of his painting, employs paint in a similar manner. Printing-ink is used as black paint. In the best red inks, carmine (a paint in water-colors) is the essential ingredient. Indian Ink is used here only as paint,—in China, as ink. ETYMOLOGY. The derivation of the English word “INK,” and of its representatives in various modern languages, has caused much perplexity to philologists, and has been the subject of many erroneous conjectures. We suffix the names by which it is known in those nations who have most employed it: English, Ink. Low-Dutch, Neder-Duytsch, Hollandisch, Inkt. German or Deutsch, Dinte and Tinte. Old German, Anker, Tincta, Tinta and Dinde. Danish, Norwegian, } Blaek, (India Ink, Tusch.) Norse, Icelandic, } Swedish, Blaeck, (India Ink, Tusk.) French, Encre. Old French, Enque. Italian, Inchiostro. Spanish, Tinta. Portuguese, Tinta. Illyrian, Ingvas. Polish, Incaust. Basque, Coransia. Latin, Atramentum. Mediæval Latin, Encaustum. Greek, Melan. Hebrew, D’yo. Chaldee, N’kaso. Arabic, Nikson, Anghas. Persian, S’y’ah’o. Hindustani, } S’yaho, Rosh’na, kali, shira, mas, and Hindui, } murakkat, kalik, midad.