In the late 1930s, a Hungarian journalist, László Bíró, found himself facing the same problem every day. His fountain pen left smudges on paper, whereas the ink used for newspaper production dried quickly and did not smear. A simple comparison posed an obvious question. How is the ink that dries on its own different from the one that leaves a mess?This question led to a discovery that was not made in the lab but happened in a practical situation. The process of newspaper production required speed, and smudging can only worsen the situation. A tiny problem took the shape of an evident task to solve.As shown by scientific research published on PubMed on writing tools, a fountain pen needs ink with specific characteristics. The writing tool operates in conditions where the flow of ink and exchange of air should be kept in balance, which can only be achieved by using thin and flowing ink.Why does newspaper ink respond differentlyInk for newspapers was specially designed for fast drying on paper, as well as for preventing smearing when printing. Naturally, this characteristic caught Biro’s attention. Nevertheless, newspaper ink is more viscous than the ink used in fountain pens.As scientific studies of ink composition demonstrate, there is a clear difference in behaviour between various types of ink depending on their viscosity and drying period. Fountain pens are not capable of working with thick inks due to unimpeded flow.Thus, the change of ink could not be a solution to the problem. Instead, Biro had to create an entirely different type of pen.The ballpoint comes into beingBiro then developed a technical solution to the problem of using thicker ink. He proposed incorporating a ball mechanism into the pen and making it transfer ink from the container to paper.The device addressed both issues simultaneously. It provided control over the ink flow and smudging. Tests done on the chemistry of ballpoint ink indicate that it differs from the one used by fountain pens due to its increased stability and slower evaporation rate.Ballpoint writing was therefore easier and more efficient. There were no longer any concerns about uneven ink flow or smudging. Overall, the invention allowed users to write neatly.
The simple comparison that led to the modern ballpoint pen. Image credit – Wikimedia
From a personal fix to worldwide useWhile Biro did not intend his invention to change the world, he did design a solution to a practical problem. Nevertheless, it soon proved to be useful beyond the inventor’s expectations.Writing implements have been improved over time in response to the emerging demands. Quill pens gave way to fountain pens due to the increased convenience they offered. Ballpoint pens matched the needs of the modern world even better, as they needed little maintenance.According to research on document materials, published in PubMed, ballpoint pens gained popularity in the middle of the twentieth century because their ink could be stored indefinitely.Ballpoint pen’s invention is still relevantFrom a newsroom hack to an international standard, one cannot overlook an important idea put forward by the creator of the ballpoint pen. It is based on the simple notion of matching tools and materials. Bíró was dissatisfied with smearing because it could indicate a potential improvement.Many professionals agree that a good invention always starts with proper observation. The idea behind this writing tool originated when the inventor compared the ink on newspapers with his writing.The influence of this invention even extends into the field of document conservation. Modern conservationists analyse the ageing properties of the ink developed for Bíró’s creation.A seemingly innocent observation with immense resultsThe invention originated from a simple observation made by Bíró himself. He noticed the difference between newspapers’ fast-drying ink and smudges that appeared on his own papers. Next, Bíró asked himself why this difference exists and searched for solutions.He used his knowledge of material sciences to come up with a mechanical solution to the problem. This way, the journalist could create the basis for using other types of ink through a revolving ball.
