<P> In the modern era, hand held computers and certain other computer input devices use a stylus to enter information onto a screen by applying pressure rather than by depositing pigment . </P> <P> Words and names are still commonly inscribed into commemorative objects, such as the engraved winners' names on the silver Stanley Cup or the Gettysburg Address carved into the stone wall of the Lincoln Memorial, but the requisite tools are not exclusively considered to be writing instruments . </P> <P> The original form of "lead pencil" was the leaden stylus used by the ancient Romans, who also used it to write on wood or papyrus by leaving dark streaks where the soft metal rubbed off onto the surface . The concept has been revived in recent times as the core of the "inkless pen": a lead - based metal alloy that leaves dark markings on paper by abrading small pieces of core onto the surface . </P> <P> However, most modern "lead pencils" have a nonpoisonous core of greyish - black graphite mixed with various proportions of clay for consistency, enclosed within an outer wooden casing to protect the fragile graphite from being snapped apart or from leaving marks on the user's hand . </P>

A continuous mark or stroke made with a writing implement