Mary Juett, age 10, of Adairville, Ky., for her question:

HOW WAS INK MADE?

Ink was first used in India and China as far back as 2500 B.C. The ancient Egyptians also used ink.for writing and drawing.

Two things must be included in ink: a liquid substance to ease writing, printing or drawing and a coloring matter. Many different formulas are used depending on the degree of permanence needed. Various chemical's and strong dyes are combined for the finished product.

Special ink has been developed for use in the ballpoint pen. It was found that the ink had to flow quickly and dry almost immediately. Chemists in the ink industry were able to come up with the right formulas.