A Pioneer Firm Engaged in Its Manufacture Since 1825-Records at Washington Made After Civil War, Fade, While Previous Writings Remain Distinct. The commonplace is often the least known. The things the world considers indispensable and uses the most it often really knows the least about. Pins, tacks, ink and a thousand and one similar articles of every day usage are so common as to be overlooked in the present day rush to solve the seemingly impossible and overcome the heretofore unattainable. Of all the inventions of man, however, no article of ordinary use is so important and necessary as ink. But how few people know really anything about ink! Yet there are men and combinations of men, not only in New York but throughout the country, who have devoted their lives to a study of this seemingly easy problem. The writing ink that will withstand the test of time and remain clear and distinct long after the human hand that traced characters with it on paper is not understood by many. Perhaps the most notable firm in the United States, which has unassumingly sought and filled these demands for nearly a century, is to be found in William street, New York City. Established eighteen years before the birth of "The Tribune," the Thaddeus Davids Company can claim with reason to be the pioneer firm in the manufacture of inks of renown in the United States. The house was founded by Thaddeus Davids, of good old Welsh family, in 1825. The original place of business was in William street, near the site of the present Brooklyn Bridge. For the last fifty years the business has been located at Nos. 127 and 129 William street, near Fulton, and is now conducted by Edwin W. Davids, a son of the founder and a man of wide travel and world experience. Nothing of up-to-date usefulness in the making of ink has escaped his attention, and the methods of India, China, Japan and other far countries are as familiar to him as those of Europe and America. Until and during the Civil War the Thaddeus Davids company furnished the government of the United States with nearly all the ink it used. At the present time the documents in the War Department and other government bureaus written with Davids ink are as legible as the day they were written, in striking contrast to those penned with other inks after that time. Only recently "The Tribune," as well as other papers, published accounts of an expense which the government was compelled to incur to have transcribed records and papers on which the ink had so faded as to become nearly illegible. It is enough to say that these writings were nearly all of dates after the Civil War. So far as ordinary ink can be indelible, the product of the Thaddeus Davids' company is. It has repeatedly been subjected to the most severe tests, and has never been found wanting. Perhaps the following excerpt from "The Scientific American" of April 12, 1856, may be interesting: "We have used some of the writing fluids made by Thaddeus Davids & Co, manufacturers of ink of this city, which is of a blue color when written with, but becomes of a deep jet shade. It also possesses the quality of easy flow from the pen, limpidness and durability. A piece of paper was written upon with this ink and exposed to sun and rain on the roof of a building from August 14, 1855, to March 15, 1856, about five months. This severe test scarcely changed its shade, For permanent records this ink of Davids & Co. appears to be the very kind so much wanted at present, as the more common inks become very faint in a few years." "The Tribune" of the same date, in a general article on ink and the general tendency of most inks to fade after a short time, said: "Among the many discoveries of the age developing improvements in almost every branch of the arts little has been done by chemical science to improve and perfect this 'art preservative of all arts. An ink perfectly black, limpid and indelible has yet to be discovered. "Nutgalls and iron appear to be the only really valuable ingredients in modern inks, the value and permanence of which depend upon the proper quantity of gallic acid extracted from the galls being used in its preparation; but nutgalls are expensive, and ink makers are apt to increase their profits by substituting logwood, which gives a large amount of coloring matter at a small cost. "A compound of bichromate of potash and the extract of log wood discovered by the German chemists a few years since makes a limpid ink, black when first used, at a cost of less than three cents a gallon; but it is a vile dye, totally valueless as an Ink, fading out on an exposure to the light and becoming illegible in a few years, however securely kept. Still, its cheapness, ease of manufacture and apparent good qualities when first made caused it to be extensively manufactured and sold, particularly in the Western states. The recipe for its production has been sold by travelling venders in every considerable town in the Northern States as a very great secret, which each particular buyer would make his fortune by getting exclusive possession of-at any price, from one to fifty dollars. A cute Yankee, near Boston, was victimized to the tune of $250 for the secret, which he calculated would make his fortune by making ink for nothing. "The mk used by the ancients was made with powdered charcoal, mixed with 1 mucilage and water, and is indestructible by time; but the ink is impracticable in this time, when barrels are used where a penful sufficed, "The value of permanent ink cannot be questioned, For state, town and county records and the like it is of vital importance that the ink used should be legible in succeeding generations. Too little attention is paid to this matter by our registers, surrogates, town clerks and court officers. A writer in the April number of 'The New England Historical and Genealogical Magazine,' speaking of the town records of Bolton, Conn., and making suggestions for their preservation, etc., says: 'Moreover, the ink is fast fading out.'. This matter of permanent ink is attracting much attention in Europe, particularly in the government offices, records, courts, etc. "Professor Sharp, of Edinburgh, in a paper recently read before the Royal Society of Arts, gives the result of a series of elaborate experiments designed to test the permanence of writing ink by exposure to the light and to the action of the elements. "Dr. Chilton, of New York, has submitted a number of the principal inks of this country to a similar trial, with a view to test their relative indelible qualities. The result of his experiments is before us in a finely engraved fac simile of the original paper, upon which the doctor wrote with four different inks, and then exposed the writing over five months to the action of the weather upon the roof of his laboratory. "This test appears to be conclusive as far as it goes, as showing what will be the action of time upon manuscripts in various stages of exposure. The matter is suggestive and of importance to all who would preserve legible records for future generations." The test of Dr. Chilton, it is needless to remark, was made with the inks of Thaddeus Davids & Co., as the firm was then known. These inks stood the most severe tests fifty years ago, when permanent ink was, as The Tribune said, "yet to be dis covered." That it was discovered, however, the tests at that time showed, and the years that have followed have proved the ink to stand that supreme test by which the quality and usefulness of ink must be measured the test of time. In the manufacture of the inks of this company an examination of their laboratory shows that only the best ingredients are used and the best are the most costly. Cheap substitutes for the chemicals which go to insure permanence, limpidness and easy flowing have no place in their workshop-indeed are not to be found there. The policy of the company seems to be to produce the very best product possible, with but little reference to the cost of manufacture. For this reason, perhaps, the Thaddeus Davids' Company has made no effort to find a price basis calculated to win the temporary trade which looks for quick sales with but slight reference to the upbuilding of a reputation for quality and permanent results, The great desideratum in ink making is, first of all, permanence. It is easy to make a writing fluid which will prove legible and free flowing at first. However, when writings are to be preserved and are to be depended upon for the transmitting of facts to a future time, a fluid of this character has little or no value. Thus, the Davids products are made from formule the result of years of study and bettering. The inks of all countries have been studied, and the secrets of no chemist are unknown as far as ink is concerned. Patient work, research and the lack of consideration for cost have finally produced in many kinds of inks those which it would be difficult to better. Perfection, of course, cannot be said to have been reached, but as far as modern science goes there can be no better. The Davids' Company has succeeded in another branch of the ink trade. For many years the English manufacturers controlled the market in America for bordering inks. To the uninitiated it may be well to explain that this is the ink used for bordering mourning paper and envelopes, requiring a rich, deep black. At the present time the trade in this line has been almost entirely taken from across the water by the Davids' Company. Another article manufactured and introduced by the company is "Letterine," a fluid for lettering, which can be used with equal facility and good results with either the brush or the pen. This product has filled a keenly felt want, and it is not exaggeration to say has caught on from Maine to California. It so completely fills the demand that its success has been phenomenal. In connection with "Letterine" the company received hundreds of requests from all over the United States for practical instruction in the art of lettering and showcard writing. In response to these requests and to fill a want that it was plainly seen existed, the company has issued a neatly bound and copiously illustrated book, which it calls "Davids' Practical Letterer," and which contains instruction in commercial lettering with brush and pen, with complete details for showcard work, and, in fact, all work of the sort for use in advertising in streetcars, windows and the hundred and one necessities of business houses. The book also contains hints on photo-engraving, details of stencil work, etc., and is, in fact, not a half bad treatise on drawing and painting, although, of course, elementary. The book gives similar instruction in lettering as that gained in the schools and courses in lettering, where instruction not as complete costs from $25 to $50. The price of the book is only $1. "Letterine" is furnished in all colors, and dries quickly and with a high gloss. It is easily superior to India ink or any of the many similar preparations on the market. Among the great corporations which the Thaddeus Davids' Company supply, with ink on contracts continuously from year to year are the Western Union Telegraph Company, the Wells-Fargo & Co. Express, the Postal Telegraph-Cable Company, the Great North Western Telegraph Company of Canada, and many others equally well known. For more than fifty years some of these houses have used the Davids' products sometimes in competition with others, but have always found the Davids' goods su perior. The Postal Telegraph-Cable Company in a recent letter said: "We have used your ink for the last seven or eight years or more, and have found the ink always satisfactory in every respect. We have used the ink from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans and from the Canadian border to New Orleans. It has always given the best satisfaction we could expect, and we have found the ink the most satisfactory for our purpose of any we have ever used." The Western Union company, in a renewal of its yearly contract, said: "I have in my experience using inks found your combined writing and copying ink, such as we use, to be the best we have ever had, giving universal satisfaction both for record and copying purposes," : In a letter to the Thaddeus Davids' Company the purchasing agent of Wells-Fargo & Co. says: } "It gives me much pleasure to state that your inks have given entire satisfaction since we began using them, now over ten years ago. The same applies to your mucilage and sealing wax, of which we use large quantities. The inks we use most extensively and almost entirely are your Electro-Chemical Fluid, Combined Writing and Copying Fluid, Chemical Copying Ink and United States Copying Ink.". Thousands of such unsolicited testimonials come to the Thaddeus Davids' Company every year, and testify eloquently to the high esteem in which the goods of the company are held by the most conservative and exacting users of inks in large and sımall quantities in the United States. It is well to keep all of these facts in view when buying ink, and also other kindred articles which this company make and sell, including mucilage, sealing wax paste, liquid glue, etc. The name of the best is always "DAVIDS" THADDEUS DAVIDS' COMPANY, 127 and 129 William Street, New York City A. H. RATHBONE & CO., INSURANCE. One of the most important branches of business carried on in this metropolis is that of insurance. With growth in other lines it has kept pace until now the amount of capital invested in it is encrmous, and the interests involved control many millions of dollars. But like all other enterprises, it saw the day of small things, and grew up from unimportant beginnings. At first insurance was secured against marine losses, and then gradually it extended to damage done by fire, to loss of life and to all forms of risk in which there is prospect of loss. The amount of capital and assets represented in the insurance business is so vast as almost to stagger the mind, and the interests involved are vital to the welfare of any business community. Nothing is of more importance to a community than the proper managenrent and control of insurance affairs. All engaged in the business have a direct and vital interest in the business welfaro and advancement of the city. One of the oldest firms of insurance brokers in this city is that of A. H. Rathbone & Co., of No. 56 Pine street. The firm is composed of Aaron H. Rathbone and his son, Richard L. Rathbone. The business was established in 1855, when the senior Mr. Rathbone came to this city and embarked in business with his brother, under the name of Rathbone Bros. & Co. The business grew So rapidly that within ten years no less than five firms had grown out of the original one. The firm was first established at No. 63 Wall street, and moved thenee after several years to No. 96 Broadway. After five years another move was made to No. 176 Broadway. Later the firm returned to Wall street, and was at No. 20, at Nassau and Wall streets, for a considerable time. For ten years A. H. Rathbone & Co. have been at Nos. 56 and 58 Pine street, with the exception of the two years they were at Nos. 80 and 82 William street. The firm has always remained in close touch with the insurance and financial interests of the city. It handles all forms of insurance, including fire, marine, fidelity, liability, elevator, boiler, rent, life, accident, casualty, sprinkler, burglary, tornado and plate glass. A specialty is also made of court and fidelity bonds. The head of the firm of A. H. Rathbone & Co., who has been a resident of this city for over half a century, has seen many changes in both the business and residence quarters, but maintains an active interest in all that concerns the commereial welfare of the metropolis. He has gained a wide and valuable experience in regard to all insurance matters, and his advice is much sought in regard to subjects connected with his business. J. C. SCHNOTER'S Shoulder Brace For Round Shoulders. Makes the form erect, expands the chest, strengthens the lungs, and is comfortable to wear. Elastic Stockings, Knee Caps and Anklets. Also Trusses, Abdominal Supporters, Crutches, Braces, etc., etc. Competent lady attendants. Separate parlors. See page 395. Patented. It is the most effective and economical Shoulder Brace made for the correction of "Round Shoulder." Will tend to strengthen the Back and Spine, preventing the unsightly babit of stooping, etc. Made for either sex. Ask your dealer for the "RIBBON SHOULDER BRACE." Take no substitute otherwise. On receipt of the price, 75c., and chest measurement, we will forward the "RIBBON SHOULDER BRACE" to you Prepaid. Look for our Trade Mark: J. C. SCHNOTER CO., HOMEOPATHIC PHARMACY "BELL'S," 75 Church St., New York. BELL'S GUIDE TO HEALTH, ALSO BELL'S POULTRY DOCTOR, FREE. BELL'S PILE REMEDY, Immediate relief and cure guaranteed. Price $1. Send for particulars. Advice free. Circulars can be mailed in these envelopes apparently SEALED with ONE CENT stamp. Such circulars will be OPENED and READ by the recipient; ordinary open envelopes are recognized as circulars and often thrown away unread. You will insure the opening of your circulars and also save $10.00 on each thousand by the use of the "Neostyle Sealed-Yet-Open" envelope. The Neostyle Envelope is the only envelope which can be used for third class matter without breaking the seal, and which has the sanction of the P. O. Dept. of the U. S. CAUTION!!! The trade and consumers are cautioned against selling or using any "SealedYet-Open" envelopes infringing the "Neostyle patent." Injunctions with costs and damages have already been granted by the U. S. Court against two manufacturers, and veral other infringement suits are pending, and all infringers will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. We also manufacture all kinds of envelopes for commercial purposes. Write for prices and Free Samples to Dept. T. NEOSTYLE ENVELOPE CO., 88-90 Reade St., New York, U. S. Δ. Patent Machine Made Paste & Sizing PASTE MADE FOR ALL SPECIAL PURPOSES. 194 AND 196 FRANKLIN ST., NEW YORK. CEMEINERIES. CEDAR GROVE CEMETERY, Cedar Grove, Cedar Ave., near Corona. 300 acres. Office, 1 Madison Ave., N. Y. City. Herman Walker, Pres. Reached by Steinway electric road at L. I. City, terminus of 34th Street Ferry; or by trolley from Brooklyn Bridge, Williamsburg or Greenpoint ferries; or by Myrtle Ave. "L" to Ridgewood, transfer to Flushing car. FAIRVIEW CEMETERY COMPANY, FAIRVIEW, LAWN SYSTEM, FAIRVIEW, BERGEN CO., N. J. Sixty acres. N. Y. Office, 1 Madison Ave. Herman Walker, Pres. Reached by trolley from the following ferries: Barclay, Christopher, Franklin, 23rd and 42nd St. |