How could I "retrieve" barely visible words written in a 1920 journal of black paper written with white ink?

Question

The white ink has just about disappeared. I have tried scanning some pages and looking at the negative. Is there a chemical process possible or a business to contact that might be able to help?

Answer 1

Have yo tried a Black light?

Answer 2

I would use a scanner and software like PaintShop Pro.

You can adjust the contrast or use the Gamma setting to enhance subtle changes.

I used this on old photos where ancestors wore black dresses, and the software brought out all kinds of details you could no longer see by eye on the original photo's!