In 1970, French writing utensil company Bic released the 4 Color Pen. Aimed at French schoolchildren, the chunky pen featured four spring-loaded cartridges providing black, blue, red and green inks. The pen was a hit, and was exported to the U.S. the next year. It also saw strong sales here, with uptake by students, teachers, clerks, nurses and, I have to believe, designers who prized the abilit