Page:The History of Ink.djvu/18

12 though so nearly coincident in sound. The case is simply one of accidental resemblance, a remarkable coincidence,—(because occurring at three different and remote points,) but yet a coincidence not wholly unparalelledunparalleled [sic].

The probability is that the English word, like the Dutch, German, Spanish, &c., came from the Latin, but it may be left "an open question;" for if we had not these instances to direct the formation of our opinions, we should have no hesitation in acknowledging the Italian Inchiostro as the true ; just as, if we had neither of these in view, we might suspect the origin of our word to be in the (Oriental or.

The Ethiopic at first sight appears to be related to the Hindustani ; but the latter is merely the word in all the languages of Hindustan for black,—while the former is just a modification of the Greek and Latin, a reed or pen,—the instrument (naturally enough) giving its name to the liquid which was essential to its use.

The word connects, in a very interesting and instructive manner, both with the history and the chemistry or manufacture of our modern inks, and is a satisfactory, demonstration of the utility of such