Medieval Scribes,Tools, & Practices A collection of authentic medieval tools used in all aspects of the scribe's work. This collection, originally organized by Alan Cole, belongs to the Museum of Writing Research Collection, Institute of English Studies, University of London, and is housed in the Senate House Library.

Exhibit Contents:

Exhibit Home

1. Book Mounts/Clasps

2. Page Marker

3. Reading Pointer

4. Seals

5. Rowels

6. Line Marking Frame

7. Sander (or Pounce Pot)

8. Tweezers

9. Pricker

10. Leads

11. Quill Pens

12. Four-flanged Pen

13. Stylus

14. Penners

15. Firelighter Iron

16. Tooth Burnisher

17. Medieval Inks

18. Lead Inkwell

19. Inkhorn

Title Firelighter Iron

Large image

Brief description A firelighter, also known as “fire steel,” would have been used to strike flint in order to create a spark from the friction. The spark was then used to light a taper or some other type of kindling in order to light the wick in a lamp. [Paraphrased from Alan Cole.]

Contributor: Stella Castillo

Contribution date: Winter 2014