Le monde gallo-romain 9

During the Gallo-Roman period writing became a common practice in Gaul. Styluses and wax tablets were used for taking temporary notes, which could later be erased. Styluses had a pointed end for writing and a small spatula at the other end to smooth the wax for corrections or erasing.
Ink, along with papyrus or parchment, was used for documents meant to be preserved. Black ink was made by mixing very fine soot with gum, and to make it more permanent, it was diluted with vinegar. Red ink also existed.
Writing was done with a reed pen, known as a calamus, which was usually made from reed and more rarely from bronze sheet.
The Gallo-Romans used fat lamps and candle holders for lighting. Metal wick-holders were inserted into walls.