A methodology to allow the microdroplet method was designed for use in ink analysis. All work was done using a scanning electron microscope fitted with a dispersive x-ray detector linked to an x-ray analysis system. The detector was positioned 5 centimeters from the samples. Ethylene glycol was the preferred solvent for droplet formation. Pyridine was added to this solvent to improve ink extraction capability, and pyridine was then removed selectively by vacuum evaporation. Microdroplets were delivered to a thin film support using a nebulizer. Thin films of celloidin were supported on copper specimen grids which, in turn, were held on a specially designed carbon holder. An examination of 17 inks from ballpoint pens commonly available in Australia showed that no detectable elements present could be used for ink characterization. An examination of four fountain pen inks also found that these inks contained detectable elements for use in ink characterization. 16 references, 2 tables, and 7 figures