Blue pens exist primarily because blue and blue-black inks offered a viable alternative to black ink for ensuring the originality of hand-written documents and signatures.
Historical Context and Practical Reasons
Historically, the use of blue ink in pens served several purposes:
- Distinguishing Originals: Blue ink was used to differentiate original documents from copies. Black ink was easily photocopied, making it harder to verify the authenticity of the original. Blue, being a less common color in early copying processes, helped establish originality.
- Legibility and Contrast: While black is standard, blue provides good contrast on white paper, making it easy to read.
- Forensic Analysis: In forensic document examination, different inks have unique chemical compositions. Blue ink allowed for easier analysis and comparison when determining the authenticity or age of a document.
- Editorial Purposes: Although the reference mentions red ink for editing, blue could also have been used for similar purposes in contexts where red might be reserved for higher-level changes or annotations. The use of distinct colors allowed for clear separation of different layers of commentary or corrections on a document.
Modern Usage
Even with advancements in printing and copying technology, blue pens remain popular:
- Personal Preference: Many people simply prefer the way blue ink looks on paper.
- Professional Settings: Blue ink is often used for signing contracts or official documents to easily distinguish the original from copies.
- Versatility: Blue ink is suitable for a wide range of writing tasks, from note-taking to creative writing.
In conclusion, the existence of blue pens is rooted in practical considerations related to document authenticity and legibility, and continues due to personal preferences and continued utility in various professional and everyday writing scenarios.
