The aim of this contribution is to present some case studies that highlight the key role played by the replication of recipes in both the Humanities and the Natural Sciences. In particular, I will present instances of how this approach can assist textual criticism, for example in the understanding of variants and errors, and in clarifying the meaning of some terms. By evaluating the feasibility of the recipes, their outcome and their order in the treatises, it is also possible to determine the technical skills of authors and compilers. Finally, the inks produced can be used as a reference for scientific analysis: not only by comparing these data with those obtained from the investigation of manuscripts, but also to assess the limits of the equipment, techniques and protocols used to undertake this investigation