Natural tanning has been used since ancient times to make ferrogallic inks. Identification is important for dating and localizing a manuscript, and for its restoration. Therefore, the authors investigated the origin and chemical constitution of hydrolitic vegetable tannins as they were themost frequently used in the manufacturing of ferro-gallic inks. The hydrolitic tannins are divided in two groups: the gallotannins: gall nuts from China, Turkey, Sumac and Tara; and the ellagitannins: Myrobolans, Divi-divi, Algarobilles, Valonnées. Vapor phase chromatography and infra-red spectrography were used.