More to the Drop?

[shifty]

I figured this could come in handy, if you happen to come across a fume cupboard. Do you know of anyone who may have one? I suggest calling any local laboratories, due to them usually having some.

[acidfingers]

I checked out some resources online

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invisible_ink

A cover message should be written over the invisible message, since a blank sheet of paper might arouse suspicion that an invisible message is present. This is best done with a ballpoint pen, since fountain pen writing may 'run' when it crosses a line of invisible ink, thus giving a clue that invisible ink is present. Similarly, invisible ink should not be used on ruled paper, since it may alter or streak the colour of the lines.

The card was blank, not ruled or anything. Luv, was the writing in the card made with a ballpoint pen?

It looks like all signs are pointing to invisible ink. I think we're really onto something!

[horcruxes]

i really like this idea.
its really well thought out.

i think this will work!

[kellylen]

instead of dipping it in lemon juice, which may ruin the card completely if its that wet from the juice, i suggest taking a paintbrush and brushing the lemon juice on.

if you need a blacklight I know that some pet stores will rent them out to owners to check if their dog/cat pissed on the floor.

if that fails go to your nearest spencer's store. in the back they always have a bunch of blacklights on display and they are usually on

[ApotheosisAZ]

Perhaps misting it would be better. You don't want to wash away any message. A perfume atomizer or spray bottle might be best.

[alysaface]

have you guys been watching national treasure? hehe.

[Luv2Luvem]

instead of dipping it in lemon juice, which may ruin the card completely if its that wet from the juice, i suggest taking a paintbrush and brushing the lemon juice on.

I really want to make sure this works. I think dipping would be better.

[shifty]

instead of dipping it in lemon juice, which may ruin the card completely if its that wet from the juice, i suggest taking a paintbrush and brushing the lemon juice on.

I really want to make sure this works. I think dipping would be better.

I agree, we only get one attempt at this. Best to do the dipping, I say. That way, you can be sure as to cover the entire envelope with the lemon juice and not miss anywhere.

[alysaface]

thought this might help.. before you do anything you might read it?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invisible_ink

[acidfingers]

Yeah, accuracy is the key here. If we only get it partially exposed to the lemon juice, it may not fully show the invisible ink, and could destroy the card in the process. It's got to be a surefire way like dipping the card or possibly pouring the lemon juice on the card in a tupperware container

[surrealisticpill]

actually, it would be best if we could get ahold of a spectrophotometer. this would tell us the wavelength reflectance for anything that could be written on the items of the drop, including wavelengths outside of our visible realm. if there was something written in near-UV or near-infared, we would discover this with the use of a spectrophotometer.

Luv, are there any universities nearby that might let you borrow this equipment?

[Luv2Luvem]

Yeah, accuracy is the key here. If we only get it partially exposed to the lemon juice, it may not fully show the invisible ink, and could destroy the card in the process. It's got to be a surefire way like dipping the card or possibly pouring the lemon juice on the card in a tupperware container

You mean like, letting the card actually soak in the lemon juice? That's interesting.

[windsong]

Here's how wikipedia recommends intercepting invisible ink:

Interception of secret messages

Any invisible ink can be made visible by someone who is sufficiently determined, but the limitation is generally time available and the fact that one cannot apply hours of effort to every single piece of paper. Successful use of invisible ink depends on not arousing suspicion.

Telltale signs of invisible ink, such as pen scratches from a sharp pen, roughness or changed reflectivity of the paper (either more dull or more shiny, usually from using undiluted ink) can be obvious to a careful observer who simply makes use of strong light, a magnifying glass and their nose. Also, key words in the visible letter, such as 'red cabbage' or 'heat', in an odd context may alert a censor to the use of invisible ink. Invisible ink should not be used with glossy or very smooth paper types, since the sizing of these papers prevents ink from being absorbed deep into the paper and it is easily visible, especially when the paper is examined under glancing light. There are, however, commercially available inks for non-porous surfaces that are only visible under ultraviolet light and are otherwise virtually invisible on these kinds of surfaces.

Using either ultraviolet light or an iodine fume cupboard, messages can be quickly screened for invisible ink and also read without first permanently developing the invisible ink. Thus, if a censor uses this method to intercept messages, he may then let the letter be sent to the intended recipient who will be unaware that the secret message has already been intercepted by a third party.

A "screening station" could theoretically involve visual and olfactory inspection, an examination under ultraviolet light and then the heating of all objects in an oven before finally trying exposure to iodine fumes. In theory, some invisible inks may even show up using a camera sensitive to infrared light.

I wouldn't dip the card in lemon juice since lemon juice is a form of invisible ink and may wash out the message rather than reveal it. Check with a black light first.

[shifty]

******ATTENTION: LUV2LUVEM:******

I thought I would include some tips to help you juice lemons; incase you had some lemons but no lemon juice:

1) Room-temperature lemons will yield more juice than those that are refrigerated.

2) Microwaving the fruit for 15 to 20 seconds before squeezing will help extract more juice. Don't overdo it. You don't want to boil the juice.

3) Use your palm to roll lemon around on the countertop a few times before squeezing.

4) If just a few drops of juice are needed, pierce the skin with a toothpick and squeeze out what you need. To store it, reinsert the toothpick, put the lemon into a plastic bag, and refrigerate.

[kageyuki]

If you're sure dipping won't make the ink run, then go for it. Otherwise, misting or blotting the card, might be better.