| Writing instruments are implements or objects which | | | | These instruments need an added pigment to be able |
| are used in the process of writing. Even though the | | | | to write and are of no use when empty. |
| name may suggest so, most writing instruments can | | | | Pens |
| be used for various other functions like painting and | | | | This is one of the commonest writing instruments |
| drawing. Critically, a writing instrument is characterized | | | | with a hard tip with ink on the surface. |
| by its controllable ability to produce a smooth line. For | | | | Dip pens |
| the users who are blind, for them one of the | | | | These pens have a nib point and a tiny ink reservoir |
| popularly used writing instruments is the stylus, which | | | | which is used by capillary action. These need to be |
| is used along with a slate for transcribing in the Braille. | | | | periodically filled by ink and have a proper pen holder. |
| Types of Writing Instruments | | | | Examples of dip pens are: |
| - Autonomous writing instruments | | | | - Reed pens |
| These instruments are known to have a useful life as | | | | - Quill pens |
| long as they have physical existence. These can again | | | | Fountain pens |
| be sub divided into two types: | | | | These pens developed in the 19th century, feature a |
| Without pigment | | | | nib unit, a tiny ink chamber, and have an external |
| Some of the oldest writings of the world are known | | | | casing. These can be refilled using any of the three |
| to have been created by making incisions on flat | | | | methods: |
| surfaces with rigid tools. Several ancient cultures like | | | | - Eyedropper method |
| the Sumerians, the Babylonians and the Mycenaean | | | | - Suction method |
| had practiced this form of writing in their different | | | | - Disposable cartridges |
| styles. | | | | Disposable pens |
| With pigment | | | | These were introduced in the 20th century and |
| Romans were the first ones to introduce the | | | | these include the ballpoint pens and gel pens. |
| concept of lead pencil. Since then, the lead pencils | | | | Pencils |
| have undergone transformation many times over and | | | | These are the traditional thin wooden cylindrical |
| taken the modern day shape of graphite wooden | | | | structures with graphite core. |
| pencils. Chalks and crayons also belong to this | | | | Brushes |
| category. | | | | These instruments have bristles and lend a flowing |
| - Assisted writing instruments | | | | stroke on applied on a surface. |