| The invention of the fountain pen in 1884 by an | | | | messy job. |
| insurance salesman called L. E. Waterman was a | | | | While most people today use the more convenient |
| major landmark in the evolution of writing. Until then, | | | | ballpoint pens or even the computer to do their |
| anyone who wanted to write a grocery list or a | | | | writing work, fountain pens still have a following. |
| letter or a book had to rely on dip pens, which had | | | | Elegant and sleek, they lend flair to even the most |
| to be dipped in ink every sentence or so. While dip | | | | indifferent handwriting. Available in a number of |
| pens were an improvement on quill pens made from | | | | reputed brands, and for prices ranging from the easily |
| bird feathers, they were not the ideal writing | | | | affordable to high-end luxury prices, fountain pens |
| instruments. | | | | are among the most popular gifts today. The earliest |
| The fountain pen, which carried its own supply of ink, | | | | fountain pens by Waterman, Sheaffer and others are |
| was received with enthusiasm. Its invention even | | | | considered collector's items today and are highly |
| made front-page news. So named after a reservoir in | | | | valued. |
| the barrel that held ink, the earliest fountain pens had | | | | A good fountain pen must be treated with care. |
| to be filled with an eyedropper. In time, the design | | | | Clean it regularly to ensure that ink flows easily. |
| got more sophisticated and pressing a lever or tab on | | | | Ensure the nib is properly set and aligned. Wash the |
| the outer side of the barrel was how the pens were | | | | nib in cold water and wipe it dry with a lint-free cloth. |
| filled. Disposable ink cartridges that had to be inserted | | | | Have the nib retipped by an expert to make it |
| into the barrel were introduced in the 1950s, and | | | | smoother. Always carry it with the nib pointed |
| writing with a fountain pen became an infinitely less | | | | upward to prevent leaks. |