Some readers may be old enough to remember the inkwells in the old wooden school desks that would be used not only for writing but for dipping the pigtails of unfortunate girls sitting in front of mischievous boys. Believe it or not, inkwells date back to the times of ancient Egypt. Wealthy families employed scribes to write documents for them. These inkwells were stones that had round holes to hold the ink. Inkwells were not elaborate until around the 16th century in Europe. The wealthy originally considered writing to be a lowly, demeaning task, but when the decorative inkwells started being produced during the Renaissance, they changed their tune. They decided it was now in good taste to use them, and their usage spread around the world. It has been said, war inspires inventions. The Civil War produced the portable inkwell, since correspondence was necessary from the battlefield. Wells were equipped with a lid and were safely housed in a box, known as a compendium. The lid also kept the ink from drying out, and traveling artists and writers soon began utilizing them. Ceramic inkwells made in Victorian era times depicted pictorial representations of cities that a tourist could buy as a souvenir. The demise of the inkwell was caused by the invention of the typewriter and the fountain pen. Most collectors now buy inkwells for display. As shown in the photo, inkwells can be very elaborate. Inkwells made of Bakelite were popular, which is a versatile, plastic-like substance. The examples shown include two American Zephyr Swivodex Art Deco inkwells. Swivodex inkwells can be tilted without spilling any ink. Also shown is a Peacock tin that holds blue ink, a Carters cobalt bottle for red fountain pen ink, and a clear ink bottle with an amber Bakelite handle. These and many more inkwells can be purchased at the Grist Mill Antiques Center, 127 Hanover St., Pemberton, N.J. The multi-dealer shop is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, call 609-726-1588.