Abstract: A rewritable recording/display apparatus using a rewritable recording medium in which color development reaction occurs by thermal energy at a predetermined temperature, and in which a color extinguishing reaction occurs by thermal energy at a temperature lower than the color development temperature, and which is capable of repeatingly performing recording and erasing of images. The apparatus also has a color developing heating device for recording an image on the rewritable recording medium by heating the rewritable recording medium, and an erasing heating device for erasing the image after the image has been recorded. Thus, the apparatus is designed so as to have a recording section simplified and reduced in size, and to reduce the maintenance and running cost. A method of erasing a rewritable record enables images to be erased completely or suitably in terms of practice and enables formation of high-quality image after erasing of the previous image.

Abstract: A composition for reversible thermal recording media which contains an amphoteric compound having at least one of a phenolic hydroxyl group and a carboxyl group and also having an amino group either as a functional group or as part of a salt compound, and a leuco compound.